Recently reports from Turkish media outlet Fotospor had emerged that Newcastle United are in the mix to sign former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. The report said that the player is already in contact with the Magpies over a possible move along with Serie A outfit Parma.
Skrtel is going to be available for free as his contract with Fenerbahce is set to expire soon. The Turkish heavyweights had given him a new one-year contract offer, but the defender wants a two-year deal. Therefore if Fenerbahce and the player can’t agree, then the Slovakian defender is set to depart from the club.
Should Newcastle look to fulfil his wage demands?
That same report mentioned that Skrtel is also demanding a wage of €2m a year. We feel that if the Skrtel wants to play for Newcastle, then he might have to bring his wage demands down slightly as it’s approximately coming to £34,000/week. The Magpies can certainly pay that kind of wages, but it is unlikely that they would pay that much for a backup defender.
Why can he be a decent signing for the right wages?
Fabian Schar, Florian Lejeune and Jamaal Lascelles have done well at the back, and we don’t see Skrtel as an upgrade over them. Therefore, when all of the Toon defenders are fit, the Slovakian is unlikely to find game time. Nevertheless, he could be a decent signing for the club as he is going to be available on a free transfer.
Last season, he made 40 appearances for the Turkish heavyweights and showed that he is still going strong at 34. The Magpies can definitely do with an experienced defender. Benitez often deployed the formula of five at the back with three centre backs playing together. Lejeune has turned out to be slightly injury prone and left-back Paul Dummett often filled in for him. Therefore it’s clear that Benitez doesn’t rate Ciaran Clark too much.
Skrtel with his experience can be a decent signing. Benitez had previously worked with the 108 times Slovakian international when he brought him to Liverpool. The Fenerbahce defender was known for his commitment, desire and aerial prowess. He was prone to errors on occasions, but in his prime, he was a handy defender for the Reds.
Should the club sign him?
Newcastle United are already in contact with him, and maybe Benitez wants to reunite with the 34-year-old. If Skrtel can lower his wage demands, then the Magpies should look to offer him a short term contract. In such a scenario, he can be a decent backup option at the club.
