In a recent tweet, CBS Sports journalist Roger Gonzalez provided an update on the future of Newcastle United full-back DeAndre Yedlin. He claimed that one of either Brentford or Fulham are interested in acquiring the services of the Magpies defender during this summer transfer period.
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Hearing that USMNT defender DeAndre Yedlin may be an interested spectator of today's EFL Playoff Final between Fulham & Brentford. 1 of the 2 clubs has expressed an early interest as he may be on the move from Newcastle come season's send…
— Roger Gonzalez (@RGonzalezCBS) August 4, 2020
Yedlin’s Lacklustre Season At St. James’ Park
The 27-year-old endured a frustrating season at Tyneside after missing out a significant chunk of the recently concluded Premier League due to multiple injuries. He missed out on several games early on because of a groin strain and later, suffered a hip problem and a hand injury as well which have all hampered his progress at St. James’ Park.
Yedlin featured in 20 matches for Steve Bruce’s side last season, netting one goal and picking up three yellow cards across all competitions highlighting his growing struggles over the past 12 months. He has failed to find consistency with his performances after he averaged 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game in the English top-flight. The United States international has been sloppy when distributing the ball as evident from his pass completion rate of 74.4% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Seattle-born talent is vastly experienced at the international stage, having made 62 senior appearances for the US Men’s National Team, but is still waiting to score his first goal for his homeland. Maybe a summer switch away from Tyneside could offer him a chance to make a fresh start and find some form for both his club and country in the years to come.
What Does The United States International Offer On The Pitch?
Yedlin can use his electric pace and agility to make some darting runs with the ball down the right flank. He is also a tireless worker who can get up and down the pitch in a flash. The American right-back is a great athlete that allows him to win his fair share of aerial duels but can sometimes lack concentration when defending inside his half.
What Should Be Steve Bruce’s Play Here?
Based on his recent performances, Yedlin has not done nearly enough to earn a place in Steve Bruce’s match-day squad for the upcoming campaign. Newcastle have often relied on the services of Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo to fill in at right-back during the ex-Tottenham Hotspur right-back’s injury absence last season.
Logic dictates that Bruce should cash in on him this summer before his contract at Tyneside expires at the end of next season. Yedlin has gotten enough chances to shine for the Magpies but has mostly been underwhelming in recent seasons. Therefore, it would be a mutually beneficial move for both the player and the club to part ways with each other ahead of the new season.
