According to a recent report by Wales Online, Newcastle United have joined the race to recruit Bournemouth playmaker David Brooks this summer. The same source has also revealed that the Magpies will face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace and West Ham United in pursuit of the Cherries attacker during this summer transfer window. It is believed that Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has identified the Welsh international as a potential solution to his creative problems at St. James’ Park (via Wales Online).
Brooks’ Injury-Plagued Season At Bournemouth
Brooks had endured a frustrating season at the Vitality Stadium over the past 12 months. He missed a significant chunk of this campaign after undergoing an ankle surgery. The Welsh youngster scored just one goal in nine appearances for the Cherries last season in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has struggled to hit his top gear during the previous campaign and averaged 0.7 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored). However, the Warrington-born talent was in a rich vein of form in the 2018-19 campaign when he registered seven goals and five assists in 33 matches for Bournemouth.
Brooks has also earned 12 senior caps for the Welsh national team, finding the back of the net once for his country thus far. Maybe a summer switch back to the Premier League could give him a chance to make a fresh start and rediscover his best form for both his club and country in the years to come.
What Will The Welsh International Bring To St. James’ Park?
Brooks can use his quickness and agility to make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He is a decent dribbler and can get himself into a few promising areas in the final third. The Welshman also managed to score and assist his fair share of goals in the 2018-19 campaign, which highlight his incredible potential in English football.
Newcastle can benefit from adding someone of Brooks’ skillset before the start of the new campaign. He will not only add more creativity and goals to Steve Bruce’s attack but also increase competition for places within his squad. The ex-Sheffield United youngster will offer some serious competition for the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie for a place in the Magpies starting XI in the upcoming campaign.
At 23, Brooks is about to embark upon the prime years of his football career which the Tyneside giants could look to benefit from in the future. Furthermore, Bruce has the luxury to guarantee him regular playing time at St. James’ Park which could tip the scales in Newcastle’s favour in the chase to land him this summer.
