In a recent report, The Times (subscription required) revealed that Newcastle United have identified Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard as a priority target for the winter transfer window. It has been stated that the Magpies are preparing to move in for the English playmaker in January.
Lingard’s Diminishing Influence In English Football This Season
Lingard has played a sporadic role at Old Trafford this season as he has struggled to make himself a regular in Man United’s starting XI. The 28-year-old has appeared in 11 matches for the Red Devils during this campaign, netting two goals and providing one assist in multiple competitions.
All of the Warrington-born talent’s appearances have come off the bench which explains why he is only averaging 0.5 shots, 0.3 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game in Premier League football. However, he has been accurate when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing 92.9% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
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What Will Lingard Add To Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe’s Side?
Lingard can score goals regularly in top-flight football when he is playing regularly on the field, as evident from his loan spell at West Ham United last season. He can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and can also serve as a good playmaker in and around the opponent’s penalty box.
However, the English sensation has found game time hard to come by at the Theatre of Dreams this season which is why it makes sense for him to switch clubs in search of greener pastures during the January transfer window.
At 28, Lingard is currently playing at his prime and would enhance the quality of Newcastle United‘s first XI considerably in the coming seasons. The English playmaker could even help the Magpies steer clear of the relegation zone in the second half of this season. We can expect Lingard to add a lot of goals and creativity to Eddie Howe‘s frontline. Thus, the Tyneside outfit should try everything they can to lure him to St. James’ Park when the transfer window reopens at the start of next year.
