In a recent report, The Times (subscription required) has revealed that Newcastle United are in talks with Ryan Fraser over a potential move on a free transfer this summer after the talented playmaker was released by Bournemouth when his contract expired earlier this year. It is believed that the Magpies boss Steve Bruce is keen on adding more creativity to his squad and has identified the Scottish winger as an ideal target in this off-season (via The Times).
Fraser’s Mouting Struggles At Bournemouth Last Season
It was a season full of frustrations for the Aberdeen-born wide player as he struggled to find consistency with his all-round performances for the Cherries out on the wide areas. Fraser scored one goal and secured four assists in 32 matches for the side from the south coast of England last season across all competitions. However, he fell out with his former manager Eddie Howe and never got a chance to help the English club avoid relegation in the final weeks of the previous campaign.
The 26-year-old failed to give a good account of himself at the Vitality Stadium but deserves a little bit of credit for averaging 1.0 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.0 crosses per 90 minutes in the 2019-20 Premier League season. He even managed to complete 79.9% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight which proves just how well he can distribute the ball in the opposition half (stats via whoscored).
This summer could be Fraser’s ideal chance to seal a return back to the Premier League with the Magpies showing interest in acquiring his services before the transfer window slams shut in October. Despite his recent struggles, the 11-time Scottish international will add some much-needed creativity to Steve Bruce’s first-team if Newcastle can convince him to make a switch to St. James’ Park this summer.
What Will The Scottish International Add To Bruce’s Team?
Fraser is one of the quickest wingers in English football and can constantly hassle the opposition by closing them down high up the field. The Scottish attacker can also use his quickness and excellent ball-control to complete some dangerous dribbles in the final third. He is a decent crosser of the ball and has got the eye to play a killer pass while operating in and around the opponent’s penalty box.
An experienced winger of Fraser’s skillset could turn out to be a shrewd signing for the Tyneside giants this summer. He will add plenty of creativity to Bruce’s frontline but might struggle to earn a place on the left flank if Allan Saint-Maximin maintains his good run of form in the upcoming campaign. Fortunately, Fraser is versatile enough to operate as a right-winger or can even fill in as an attacking midfielder if required.
As long as the Scottish playmaker can start delivering some consistent performances on the pitch, he will have no problems playing a regular run of games at St. James’ Park in the coming seasons. Fraser is only 26 and is available for free, which makes him a low risk, high reward target for the Magpies to consider during this ongoing transfer period.
