In a recent report, The Sun mentioned that Newcastle United are in talks to sign Watford midfielder Will Hughes this summer. It is believed that the Hornets are eager to include Isaac Hayden in the deal if they are to let the English midfield ace join the Magpies in this off-season (via The Sun).
Hughes’ Solid Campaign In English Football
The Weybridge-born talent had a terrific season at Vicarage Road as he helped his team clinch promotion back to the Premier League. Hughes found the back of the net twice in 31 matches for the Hornets in the previous campaign across various competitions.
The English sensation deserves credit for anchoring the midfield with conviction based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.0 clearances per game in the EFL Championship last season. The 26-year-old even distributed the ball with accuracy after completing 84.1% of his attempted passes in the English second division (stats via whoscored).
Hughes has got less than a year remaining in his Watford contract, so the Magpies could potentially land him on a cut-price fee or give up Hayden to acquire the Watford talent’s services this summer. Either way, he is a talent worth pursuing if Steve Bruce is looking to beef up his midfield options ahead of the new season.
What Will Hughes Add To Steve Bruce’s Team?
Hughes has transformed himself into a tough-tackling central midfielder who can pass the ball well from midfield. He has got good defensive awareness and can secure possession back for his team by timing his challenges well at the centre of the park. Hughes has often been used as a box-to-box midfielder but can also play as a winger on either flank if needed. His excellent work ethic and versatility make him a shrewd signing for the Magpies to pursue this summer.
The 23-time England Under-21 international can even make some energetic dashes in the opponent’s half but needs to figure out a way to be more influential in the attacking third. At 26, Hughes is currently enjoying the peak years of his playing career, so he could make an immediate impact at St. James’ Park if Newcastle are successful in their efforts to recruit him ahead of the new campaign.
Hughes will undeniably bolster Bruce’s midfield options and could add some bite and steel to his first XI. He is good enough to rival Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff for a regular starting spot at Tyneside next season. However, Hughes is yet to prove his worth at the highest level which makes him a risky option for Newcastle United to consider in this off-season.
