Newcastle United are interested in securing the services of the former FC Porto defender Diego Reyes this summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies are planning to seal a move for the Mexican international during this summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old is currently a free agent after he was released by Porto as his contract expired at the end of last season. Some sources are now claiming that the Tyneside outfit are among a whole host of clubs looking to snap up the Mexican centre-back in this post-season. It is believed that Rafael Benitez’s team will face stiff competition from West Ham United and Fenerbahce in pursuit of the Ciudad de México-born talent’s signature this summer.
Reyes was part of the Mexican national team which took part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He helped his nation qualify from the group stages of the competition but the Mexican national team was eventually knocked out by Brazil in the round of 16.
At 25, the Mexican centre-half has a wealth of experience in Spain and Portugal but he is still unproven at the top level and might need some time to adapt his game to the physicality and high intensity of English football. Having said that, he is exactly the kind of player who can thrive under the masterful guidance of Benitez if given the opportunity to prove his worth at St. James’ Park.
The Tyneside outfit had to endure a difficult domestic campaign last term and could only manage a 10th placed finish in the top tier of England. However, Benitez’s Magpies were able to avoid relegation and will now be expected to push on and challenge for a top 8 finish in the upcoming season.
The potential acquisition of Reyes will undoubtedly bolster Benitez’s defensive options at Tyneside. Newcastle United have a whole host of defensive talents such as Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba Mangulu, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune who are all vying for a place in Benitez’s first XI. The addition of Reyes will definitely improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within the Magpies squad.
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At 25, the Mexican still has his prime years ahead of him which Newcastle could look to benefit from, in the next few seasons. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Reyes and whether he ends up sealing a move to St. James’ Park before the start of the new season.
