With 32 points from 30 games, Newcastle United are not too far away from confirming their top-flight status this season but Rafa Benitez, who is expected to stay at the club for another year, is already looking to improve on the squad at his disposal and has been linked with some exciting stars recently.
There are a few positions in the squad that Rafa will concentrate on and the goalkeeper’s role is one position that needs to be addressed this summer. A number of names are constantly doing the rounds and the latest name that is linked with a move to Tyneside is Liverpool ace Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian international moved to Liverpool from Sunderland back in 2013 and less than a year later, cemented his place in the first team, standing as the first choice shot-stopper for the Reds till the turn of the year. However, he stands as one of the most error-prone GKs in the league and has now been replaced by Loris Karius on goal at Anfield.
Ever since reports have revealed that Mignolet will quit Liverpool at the end of the season and the likes of SSC Napoli and Celtic have already registered interest in the player. But reports now claim that Newcastle United have joined the race for his signature. But is the right man for the Magpies?
Having spent three long years at Sunderland, the 30-year old turned into a fan favourite before he was snapped up by Liverpool but Mignolet has just not been able to reproduce his form at Anfield and has been a liability consistently.
A great shot-stopper with superb reflexes and ability to save point-blank range shots, Mignolet is an experienced international who has been a match-winner for the Reds in the past. But he has cost his side more points than any other player in the league since 2014 and is no longer in the plans of Jurgen Klopp, the current Liverpool manager.
Though secure and solid on his day, Mignolet often has days when he makes glaring errors to leave his side frustrated, which could haunt the Magpies in the future.
At his age, he is an experienced player and could find some of his form back if he leaves Liverpool but Rafa needs to spend on a more secure option for his first team next season.
Martin Dubravka is doing a decent job on goal but the likes of Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow, both of who are currently injured, have not done enough to warrant a place in the first team next season. So Rafa is desperate for a shot-stopper this summer and is better off looking at a more dependable option than the struggling Liverpool man.
