Latest reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola (Print Edition) suggests that Newcastle United are one of the clubs which will chase Porto’s winger Yacine Brahimi in the summer when his contract with the Portuguese giants expires. The winger has been linked with a move to various Premier League clubs for quite some time now. Therefore, there is every chance that he could finally move to England in the summer. Apart from the Magpies, Everton, AC Milan and West Ham United are also said to be interested.
Newcastle United had a poor start to the season, but Rafael Benitez has managed to stabilise the ship as they have achieved some impressive results of late including an improbable victory against reigning champions Manchester City. Brahimi is a left winger, and he would be a much-needed addition to Newcastle United’s squad if they manage to bring him in.
The 28-year-old is an experienced customer and a signing like him can propel the Toon to the next level. One can understand why quite a few clubs are after him as the player is going to be available for free once his contract expires.
United currently have Christian Atsu and Kenedy as outright left-wingers, and the latter is just on loan from Chelsea. Therefore there is no guarantee that the Tyneside outfit would be able to get him again beyond this season.
The Algerian international meanwhile has so far managed nine goals and six assists this season, and he would add the much-needed ‘x-factor’ and firepower in the attacking third. The Magpies have finally shown that they are willing to spend big bucks to get their target as the recently signed Miguel Almiron for a record fee. Adding Brahimi to their roster can take them to the next level.
However, we expect some of the top clubs to also join the race for the winger. After all, he is a player who has a decent amount of experience of playing in Ligue 1, La Liga and the Champions League as well. So we feel that United would likely have an outside chance of landing him as top clubs would be able to offer the Algerian international better wages.
Brahimi’s primary asset is his ability to take on defenders, and his fancy footwork often keeps the defenders on edge. To go with that, the 28-year-old can also bring in goals and assists regularly. Rafael Benitez should try everything in his means to sign this winger, but we feel that he is likely to come second best once some heavyweight clubs join the race to sign him.
