According to a recent report by Area Napoli, Newcastle United are continuing to keep a keen eye on Napoli midfield ace Allan ahead of a potential move in the summer. However, the same source has also stated that the Magpies could face competition from Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Everton in pursuit of the Brazilian talent in this off-season.
Allan’s Rollercoaster Of A Season At Naples So Far
The Napoli midfield enforcer has experienced a challenging campaign at the heart of Gennaro Gattuso’s midfield so far after struggling to find consistency with his performances in Italy. He has made 24 appearances for the Naples outfit this term, registering one goal and one assist across all fronts which could be because he has often been restricted to assume a holding midfield role over the past nine months.
More importantly, the 29-year-old has averaged 2.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 0.5 clearances per game in the Italian top tier this season (stats via whoscored). Allan deserves a lot of credit for producing slightly better numbers in Europe where he has averaged 3.8 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 1.7 clearances in every 90 minutes of UEFA Champions League football so far.
Gattuso has failed to get the best out of the Brazilian midfield ace week in week out at the San Paolo Stadium this season. Hence, a change of scenery could benefit the player, as well as help Napoli, overcome their financial problems by ensuring some much-required cash inflow during the summer transfer window.
Allan has also secured eight senior caps for the Brazilian national side but is still waiting to score his first goal for his nation. The former Udinese workhorse is currently not a part of Tite’s first-team plans. However, if the experienced campaigner can rediscover his best form in the Premier League next season, then he will have a good chance of earning a spot in the Brazilian squad for the next edition of the Copa America after the competition.
What Will The Eight-Time Brazil International Add To Steve Bruce’s Side?
Allan loves a tackle in midfield that enables him to win possession back for his team. He has established himself as the chief midfield destroyer in the Napoli first-team and is also versatile enough to assume a more adventurous box-to-box role in midfield if needed.
The South American sensation is a tireless worker at the centre of the park and has made a habit of chasing down lost causes by covering a lot of ground in midfield. He is also a highly intelligent footballer who can distribute the ball neatly without losing possession too often. Allan has completed 87.6% of his attempted passes in the Serie A this season that showcases just how effective he can be with the ball at his feet (stats via whoscored).
Steve Bruce needs to add more bite and steel to his midfield as the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Matty Longstaff and Isaac Hayden have all struggled to find a run of consistency in terms of their performances at the middle of the pitch. The Magpies boss has enough experience under his belt to manage a player of Allan’s skill set and could be the perfect man to get the best out of him at Tyneside in the coming seasons.
The Serie A star will not only bring some solidity and calmness to the Newcastle midfield but also enhance the overall quality of their squad. Allan will also provide Bruce with the freedom to be more flexible with his formations, tactics and teamsheets next season which is a bonus as it will help the Tyneside giants challenge in all competitions by lowering the effects of fixture congestion.
