Newcastle United scouts are reportedly keeping a close eye on Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys. Manager Eddie Howe wants to bring in fresh faces for his thinned-out backline this month. Craig Hope of the Daily Mail broke the story. He noted that the Magpies see the young Belgian’s ability to play different roles as a massive plus.
Newcastle United Eye Versatile Belgian Defender Amid Injury Woes
The North East club haven’t made any moves in the January transfer window yet. However, a growing list of injuries is forcing them to look at new signings. Tino Livramento and Dan Burn are currently sidelined. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar is set for a long spell out. These injuries leave the squad incredibly short on defensive depth.
Club officials see Seys’ versatility as a real advantage for a team playing in several competitions. The 20-year-old has become a mainstay for the Belgian champions. He can play comfortably on either side of the pitch. This specific quality is exactly what the Newcastle bosses want. They are looking for players who can cover multiple spots.
With the transfer deadline getting closer, the club’s recruitment team is deciding whether to make a formal bid. Bringing in the highly-rated teenager would take the heat off the current squad. It would also give Howe much-needed cover for the rest of the season.
Tactical Fit: Why Seys Suits St. James’ Park
Joaquin Seys is exactly the kind of player who thrives in Eddie Howe’s high-energy, pressing game. The Belgian teenager is strong and has the lungs to handle the constant running Howe demands from his full-backs.
He moves play forward with direct passes and bold runs. These strengths look a lot like what Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall bring to the pitch. It suggests Seys would integrate smoothly into Newcastle’s style. Since the Belgian is comfortable on both the left and right, the manager can swap players around without losing quality or breaking the defensive line.
Beyond his skill, Seys plays with a toughness that fits the Newcastle DNA. He gets stuck in early and wins plenty of tackles. It is something Howe demands from every defender. While he is still learning, his time in the Champions League shows he has the right mindset for the big stage.
Signing him now fixes the mess the absences of Burn, Livramento, and Schar caused. It also secures the club a top talent for the future. For a team trying to get results now while building for later, moving for Seys just makes sense.
