Newcastle United Identify This French Forward As A Target: Good Option For Howe?

In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that Newcastle United have identified Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea as a target for this January window. It is believed that the Magpies are eyeing the French striker as an alternative to Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata but could face competition from Zenit St. Petersburg in pursuit of him.

Zenit St. Petersburg have asked Borussia Moenchengladbach for French striker Alassane Plea. Talks ongoing. 🇫🇷🇷🇺 #transfers

Plea’s also in Newcastle list among other options, looking for a new striker as Atalanta are still reluctant to sell Duván Zapata in January. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/fmoEuh183m

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2022

Plea’s Lack Of Productivity In The Bundesliga This Season

Plea has experienced an underwhelming campaign in German football so far as he has struggled to find consistency in terms of goal-scoring in the final third. The 28-year-old has banged in three goals and provided one assist in 20 appearances for Monchengladbach this season in all competitions.

However, the French sensation deserves credit for averaging 1.8 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga.

However, he needs to take care of the ball a bit better when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after completing 74.4% of his attempted passes in the top tier of German football (stats via whoscored).

Will Plea Be A Good Option For Newcastle United?

Plea excels at making space for himself to get a few shots in on-target. He can be a good finisher in front of the opposition goal when he is playing at the top of his game. The French talent can even create some decent openings for others around him and doesn’t mind working hard while running the channels for his team.

Plea has a knack for getting himself into some dangerous areas in and around the opponent’s penalty box. Hence, he could prove to be a decent addition to Newcastle‘s squad before the end of this transfer window.

We can expect Plea to add a few goals and some creativity to Eddie Howe‘s attack. He could serve as a significant upgrade over Dwight Gayle who has failed to make an impact at St. James’ Park this season.

At 28, Plea is currently playing at his prime and has got the experience to make an instant impact at the Tyneside club if Howe can get him on board this month. All in all, the Bundesliga centre-forward will be a good option for Newcastle to consider right now as he could help the Magpies get out of relegation danger in the second half of this campaign.