In yet another surprising claim, newly-promoted Premier League club Newcastle United are linked with an audacious move for Portugal ace William Carvalho. The Sporting Lisbon star has been a long-term target for many Premier League clubs but a potential deal never materialised, and Newcastle United might just make it a reality.
Newcastle United are reportedly willing to splash a whopping £39 million to make sure that both the club and the player gives a serious thought about the offer. However, it is difficult to imagine why he would leave Champions League football and come to play with the Magpies. Despite having an underwhelming season with Sporting CP, he has been their main star man for the last four years now.
However, it is also to be considered that the once touted midfield sensation hasn’t grown out to be anything like he was expected. A closer look at his changing suitors clearly indicates it. Premier League’s top four have been his admirer for long, but if reports are to be believed now, West Bromwich Albion are in a prime position to land him.
The Baggies were hot on his heels last transfer window but Sporting’s high demands for the player pretty much nullified them. Now, however, Tony Pulis has been sanctioned £30 million by the club to go forward with the deal, but Newcastle’s offer could pretty much put them out of the race now.
A defensive midfielder by nature, Carvalho is equally comfortable in the centre-half’s role too. In Sporting, he is a regular in that deep midfield position. Carvalho is known for his impeccable passing and piercing through balls. His dribbling abilities are a bonus as Premier League doesn’t have many anchors who could dribble well.
In an average Newcastle squad, his inclusion would be a definite level up. Alongside Jonjo Shelvey, Carvalho could be an effective addition to his agility in the middle of the park could give Shelvey the perfect cover to pick his long passes.
An academy product of Sporting CP, he has spent two loan seasons with Portuguese side Fatima and Belgian side Cercle Brugge. He broke into the first team only at 19 and has played 119 times so far, winning the Taca de Portugal in the process, which is the English version of the FA Cup.
Making his debut in national colours back in 2013, he has earned 30 caps since then and was an essential member of Portugal lifting the Euro Cup 2016.
