Newcastle United have been more of a failure this transfer season as Rafael Benitez and his team find it very difficult to land most of their priority targets. It has made them desperate as a consequence, which is clearly indicated by the reports of them chasing Arsenal’s forgotten full-back Carl Jenkinson.
Following their title-winning season in the Championship last term, Newcastle have quite strangely found it difficult not only to lure in other players but also retaining their own stars. The Magpies had hardly any competition in their successful campaign last season as the perfectly brought together group of players dominated every aspect of the tournament to win it.
And still, Newcastle couldn’t convince the likes of Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita to stay on for their comeback season in the Premier League. Benitez is in dire need of wingers and full-backs with just two weeks to go before the season ends, and there have been numerous names they are linked with.
Among the few major signings that Newcastle United have managed so far, include Florian Lejeune from La Liga, Daryl Murphy from Norwich City and Christian Atsu from Chelsea. Only Lejeune cannot fill the cracks in their defence and Benitez knows that his back line is far from secure. And though Jenkinson isn’t a better option to have in one’s squad, Benitez seems to believe he could make him work.
The 25-year-old had endured a horrendous few games with Premier League giants Arsenal last season when he was given chances following Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy’s injury. Though he had just returned from a long-term injury, his complete lack of confidence forced to sub him just after the half time and bring on young Ainsley Maitland-Niles, in a crunch game against Sunderland.
An academy product of Charlton Athletic, Jenkinson had a fast progress from his boyhood club as Arsenal had picked him up as a 19-year-old following a successful loan stint with Eastbourne Borough. It took him three years to break into the Gunners first team and he was soon sent out on loan to West Ham United in 2014.
With the Hammers, the Buckhurst Hill lad had a successful first season before a torn ligament in knee stopped his second loan stint midway. He has made just 20 appearances and he hasn’t yet recovered psychologically from it. While Benitez would face a serious task of mending that fear in him if he buys, his lack of utility also remains a concern.
The 185cm defender lacks pace and is pretty much immobile in any other position apart from the right defensive flank. He is unlikely to provide any new attacking dimension whatsoever.
