The Chronicle has recently claimed that Newcastle United have been offered a chance to land Watford centre-forward Troy Deeney this summer. However, the Magpies are one of several Premier League teams fighting for the Hornets striker’s signature, but his high wage demands and transfer fee would make it difficult for Steve Bruce to recruit him in this off-season (via The Chronicle).
Deeney’s Disheartening Season At Vicarage Road
Deeney endured a disappointing campaign with the Hertfordshire outfit as he failed to lead his team out of the relegation zone in the Premier League. The Hornets were demoted on the last day of the 2019-20 campaign after being beaten by Arsenal with a 3-2 scoreline.
The Watford captain managed to score ten goals and provide two assists in 27 games for his team last season in various competitions. The Birmingham-born talent also averaged 1.7 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.0 clearances per game in the Premier League. However, he was very sloppy when linking up with teammates as he completed just 54.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 32-year-old has proven his worth as a valuable striker in English football, so it makes a lot of sense for the Magpies to get him on board ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window in October. Newcastle boss Steve Bruce can benefit from adding a new targetman who will be able to carry most of the goal-scoring workload for his side up top. Hence, Deeney fits the bill perfectly as he will fancy his chances of success if given the opportunity to lead the charge at St. James’ Park next season.
What Will The English Centre-Forward Add To Steve Bruce’s Team?
Deeney has got incredible strength to hold possession up the field but can sometimes give away the ball cheaply in the matches against high-quality opposition. He hardly gets outmuscled in the air and can score his fair share of goals via headers. Plus, the English striker is quite aggressive when challenging for any loose ball in the opponent’s half and can even contribute by making a few crucial clearances when defending the opposition’s set-pieces inside his penalty area.
As long as Deeney has the hunger to do well in the Premier League, he will be a decent signing for any top-flight club in England. Newcastle can use a player of his physical attributes as they have currently got Joelinton and Andy Carroll as their only physical centre-forwards. However, both strikers have struggled to give a good account of themselves in recent seasons which has increased Bruce’s need to recruit a quality marksman this summer.
Deeney will add a lot of goals and power to the Magpies’ frontline but won’t be a long-term solution to their goal-scoring problems at Tyneside. Even then, he will serve as a quick fix and might also increase competition for places within Bruce’s squad in the coming seasons.
