Around ten days back, Newcastle United had been linked (The Sun) with a move for Brentford’s in-form winger Said Benrahma. Now, the player has gone on to respond to transfer rumours where he suggested that his dream is to play in the Premier League. However, it seems like Benrahma’s first preference will be to play in the top flight with Brentford.
Benrahma on transfer speculations
The winger recently said (BBC Sport), ”For the moment I am focused on Brentford. This summer, I will see, but for the moment I am so focused here. If I go into the Premier League God willing with Brentford or … I don’t know, but my ambition is Premier League.”
The Algerian winger joined the Bees from Ligue 1 outfit Nice in 2018. He was signed for just £1.5m. Now reports from the Sun around a week back had emerged that the Magpies were willing to offer £15m for him. We believe that Benrahma’s chances of moving to Newcastle would increase if the Bees fail to go up. The Championship side are currently fighting for promotion, and they are now fourth in the table.
Does Newcastle United need someone like Benrahma?
Benrahma is a right-footed player who can play on either of the flanks. He has played most of his games on the left-wing for Brentford this season. However, the Algerian is equally capable of playing from the right.
Steve Bruce doesn’t have too many outright wingers in his squad. Allan Saint-Maximin, Christian Atsu and Miguel Almiron can play out wide. Matt Ritchie is also an alternative, but he has been used more as a fullback/wingback for quite some time. We believe that someone like Almiron is more suited to play in a central role as an attacking midfielder or as a secondary striker. Christian Atsu isn’t a long term option as his contract expires in 2021 and he was linked (Daily Record) with a move away to Celtic in January.
Hence, we believe that the Magpies would need to strengthen by bringing in a new winger in the summer.
Will Benrahma be a good option?
The 24-year-old has a strong record for Brentford in the past one and a half year. Benrahma has managed 20 goals and 23 assists in 73 appearances for the Bees. The winger is known for his terrific dribbling skills, and he is capable of the audacious while going past players. What has really made him a big hit is that he comes up with consistent attacking returns.
Benrahma knows how to pick a right pass in the attacking third, and he also has an eye for a goal. Often wingers are guilty of not having the final product to their game, but Benrahma is someone who can produce the goods consistently. The Premier League will be a challenge, but he seems ready to take the next step after thriving in the Championship. We believe that he would be a good signing for Newcastle. However, if Brentford moves up, then, it seems like the winger might want to stay with the Bees after his recent interview.
