In a recent print edition, Record stated that Newcastle United are keeping a keen eye on Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes. It is understood that the Magpies could face competition in the form of Manchester City in pursuit of the Portuguese midfield ace this summer.
Nunes’ Decent Season In Portuguese Football
Nunes is having a good campaign at the José Alvalade Stadium and has managed to put in some eye-catching displays for Sporting at the centre of the park. The Portuguese talent has featured in 48 matches for the Portuguese giants this season, registering four goals and five assists in various competitions.
The Rio de Janeiro-born playmaker has made an impact in both halves as he is averaging 1.3 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.6 shots, 0.7 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has interchanged possession quite well with his teammates, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.8% in the Portuguese first division (stats via whoscored).
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What Will Nunes Bring To Newcastle United?
Nunes can time his tackles well to secure the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He is proficient at completing some dangerous dribbles with the ball in the opponent’s half. The Portuguese midfielder has contributed by scoring and creating his fair share of goals in the final third. He can even retain possession in tight spaces but there are some concerns over whether he would be able to make a smooth transition to life in English football.
The pros outweigh the cons of recruiting Nunes, so Newcastle should think about orchestrating a move to lure him to St. James’ Park this summer.
A midfielder of Nunes’ quality will undoubtedly improve the quality of Eddie Howe‘s midfield department. He could even help the Magpies challenge for a European place in the coming seasons. We can expect the Sporting star to bring more goals and creativity to Howe’s first team. At 23, Nunes will only get better with each year which makes him a good fit for Newcastle in this off-season.
