In a recent report, Sport has claimed that Barcelona full-back Emerson Royal looks set for a January move to AC Milan despite interest from Newcastle United last summer. It is believed that the Italian giants will reignite their interest in the Barca full-back, who is currently playing on loan at Real Betis, during the winter transfer period. Back in August, Mundo Deportivo reported that the Magpies were among several English clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton hoping to land him before the start of this campaign.
Emerson’s Impressive Form At Estadio Benito Villamarín This Season
This latest development should be a cause for concern for Newcastle boss Steve Bruce if he still wants to sign the Brazilian right-back in the future. The 21-year-old has already made five appearances for Real Betis this season and has averaged 3.2 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.0 clearances, 2.0 key passes, 1.0 crosses and 0.8 dribbles per game in La Liga so far. He has taken care of the ball when distributing it out from the right flank after making 83.8% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Emerson has done well to contribute at both ends of the field, but a red card versus Real Madrid has taken some shine off his season. Even then, the Brazilian youngster is a player on the rise and has the potential to become a class act at right-back in the years to come.
What Are The Talented Right-Back’s Best Attributes?
Emerson is a pacey full-back who can turn on the afterburners to breeze past the opposition out on the right-wing. He has transformed himself into a capable defender during his loan stay at Real Betis over the past 16 months as he can make some crucial interceptions and is not afraid to clear his lines when in danger of being exposed at the back.
The Brazilian sensation is a decent crosser of the ball as well and can pick up a few assists by being creative in the final third. However, he is yet to prove his worth in European football, so only time will tell whether he has got enough in his tank to become a world-class right-back in the future.
Should The Magpies Renew Their Interest In Emerson This Winter?
Right now, Steve Bruce has got Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth and DeAndre Yedlin as his right-back options at St. James’ Park. Hence, he won’t be too desperate to go back in for Emerson this winter as there is enough depth in that position. The Magpies would be better off keeping tabs on his progress and should only consider launching an offer for him when he hits his peak in the coming seasons.
