In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, Sky Sports reported Michael Bridge urged Newcastle United to move in for Kasper Schmeichel who is a free agent after being released by Nice recently. When asked about the Magpies making a late push for the talented keeper, Bridge said,
“I’ve just seen that Kasper Schmeichel has left Nice on a free. I might be putting two and two together and making five, but that would be a good move for him, surely.”
Schmeichel’s Impressive Form In French Football Last Season
Schmeichel had a solid campaign at Nice as he put in a run of impressive displays in between the sticks for them in Ligue 1. The Danish custodian appeared in 46 matches for the French outfit last season, conceding 47 goals and picking up 13 clean sheets in the process on all fronts.
The 36-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 0.4 clearances and 7.4 long balls per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 football. However, he needs to work on improving his ball distribution after making 74.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Snap Schmeichel Up This Month?
Schmeichel is an experienced goalkeeper who has got decent reflexes that help him pull off a few solid saves at the back. He is a good handler of the ball and can get a lot of distance with his goal-kicks. The Danish sensation usually clears his lines when needed but needs to work on improving his passing from inside his half.
Someone with Schmeichel’s experience and skillset would no doubt be a shrewd acquisition for the Magpies as he is good enough to push Nick Pope for a regular starting spot in Eddie Howe‘s first XI this season.
At 36, Schmeichel might still have a couple of good seasons left in him to play at a high level. Hence, Newcastle would be wise to snap him up by offering him a short-term contract.
Schmeichel already knows the Premier League well from his successful spell at Leicester City and won’t take much time to adjust to life at St. James’ Park if the Magpies decide to give him a chance to prove his worth in England once again this month.
