According to reports, Newcastle United are now chasing La Liga midfielder, Jonathan Viera, as Rafael Benitez desperately seeks reinforcements on the flanks. The 27-year-old remains among the bunch of players that came into the limelight following the successful season of USD La Palmas. Viera is quite a hot prospect in the transfer market with several European clubs vying for his signature.
The Magpies saw a surprise departure in their left-sided midfielder Yoan Gouffran, following their Championship winning season last term. The French international has been one of their best players in the title-winning campaign, with the 31-year-old contributing five goals and four assists in the process.
Benitez was keen to hold on to him but after he finished his last year of contract at St. James’ Park, the player decided to join Turkish side Goztepe SK for free, who have returned to the Super Lig for the first time since 2003. He has left a huge void on the left flank that the Magpies have little time to plug in as the season begins within a month.
Except for Rolando Aarons, the English left winger of Jamaican origin, who is currently out with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Benitez has no other option at the moment. Viera could be an interesting addition to the side by all means. His versatility in the attacking third could be a terrific option for the Spanish boss, as the player excels in using his wing plays and his phenomenal pace from wide area make him much of an upgrade to the Newcastle squad.
The 27-year-old was a significant player for the La Liga side last season, scoring seven goals and assisting eight times in the league and another assist in their Copa del Rey campaign. A left winger by nature, Viera can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, left midfield as well as left forward; and central midfield turned out to be his most effective position.
He has shown terrific vision from the deep and his through balls have garnered a lot of praise. He also excels in holding the ball under pressure situations and can take some of the most exquisite long shots. His short height of 170cm makes him a risky prospect though, as he would hardly be a threat from aerial duels, but his swift movements should make up for it.
An academy product of UD Las Palmas, Viera has played for sides like Valencia CF, Rayo Vallecano and Standard Liège before breaking into the first team in 2015. Newcastle could face competition from Premier League side Everton and La Liga Real Betis in landing him.
