Rafael Benitez is reportedly aiming to bring in Burnley’s star striker Andre Gray this summer, as the Spaniard plans to upgrade his attacking front next season. Burnley have been one of the surprising survivors this season in the Premier League and the English forward has played a crucial role in it, garnering attention from many top clubs.
Newcastle United had a smooth season this term, which saw them winning the Championship on the final day despite trailing competitors, Brighton & Hove Albion, in the closing few weeks. Scoring hasn’t been a problem for them in the second-tier as the Magpies have managed a whopping 85 goals; but Benitez, with his years of experience in the Premier League at Liverpool and Chelsea, knows well the need to have a seasoned forward.
In the likes of Dwight Gayle, Aleksander Mitrovic, Ayoze Perez and Daryl Murphy, Benitez has a decent core of forwards, but as was evident from Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes, Championship strikers just don’t seem to click in top flight English football.
Their top-scorer, Dwight Gayle, would be a better example. The English forward has bagged 23 goals this season in the Championship becoming a fan favourite at St. James’ Park, but his previous stint with Crystal Palace in the Premier League perfectly exhibited his quality in the first-tier. He could manage only 15 goals for the Eagles in three seasons.
Hence, Gray could easily be Newcastle’s hero this season if they manage to land him. The 25-year-old striker has scored nine times this campaign and assisted thrice in 32 league outings. The Clarets have had one of the most average squads in the league and Gray’s decent form all the more reflects his quality in front of the goal.
A centre-forward by nature, Gray can also play on the left flank. His pace on the ball and ability to hold it facing the goal backwards make him a valuable acquisition for any side. A Shrewsbury youth product, Gray has played for numerous lower-tier sides like Hinckley United, Luton Town and Brentford before Burnley bought him in 2015.
Newcastle United will have to fight the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton to land the forward, but the first-team action could be an influencing factor in Gary’s next move.
And with reports emerging of the striker not willing to sign a contract extension at Turf Moor only encourages Benitez. He contracts expire next summer and given Burnley’s financial prowess, they would choose to sell him for a hefty fee rather than let him walk away for free.
