According to the reports from L’Equipe (via GFFN), Newcastle United are said to be in the mix with La Liga and Premier League clubs to sign Monaco’s attacking midfielder Rony Lopes. The attacker had a spell in England before as he was part of Manchester City’s youth system. The 23-year-old was seen as a massive talent as he won the inaugural Academy Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 campaign.
However, City had their fair share of attacking talents in their setup and Lopes never really managed to find a place in the senior team. The two time Portugal international left the club in 2015 after making just five senior appearances. Monaco are reportedly open to selling Lopes in the ongoing transfer window, and they are said to be valuing him somewhere between €25-30m. Sevilla, Valencia, Everton and West Ham’s name have also been linked with the player.
Does Newcastle United need someone like Lopes?
The Tyneside club seemed to be in doldrums not too long ago, but some exciting signings have brought some optimism at the club. Lopes could be another one on the list as a player like him would boost the club’s attacking options.
Newcastle lost the services of Joselu, Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon in this window. Rondon and Perez were the focal points when it came to scoring goals for Newcastle United last season and replacing them would be a big task. The Magpies have brought in the likes of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin, and they would look to replace the void left by Perez and Rondon. Lopes is a versatile attacker who can play as a winger or as an attacking midfielder so he would bring more depth and quality in the squad.
What to expect from Lopes if he moves to St. James’ Park?
The 23-year-old is a left-footed player who likes to play on the right-wing or as an attacking midfielder. Lopes comes alive when he receives the ball in the final third as he always looks to drive the ball forward. He is direct in his playing style and can go past defenders because of his sublime skills and decent pace.
However, more than that, Lopes’ footballing IQ makes him stand out as he can find little pockets of spaces to affect play. The Portugal international also showcases an impressive work rate, and if we are to compare him, his playing style is similar to Bernardo Silva.
The €25-30m price tag for a 23-year-old talent with previous experience of English football seems like a reasonable asking price for us. Steve Bruce should definitely consider bringing him at the Tyneside club
