In a recent print edition, The Sunday Express (19/11/2023, Page 66) stated that Newcastle United are prepared to move in for Santos forward Marcos Leonardo. It has been mentioned that the Magpies are ready to make a £16m offer for the Brazilian youngster.
Leonardo’s Excellent Rise In Brazilian Football
Leonardo is having a decent campaign at the Brazilian club after he put in a series of impressive displays for them on the offensive end of the field. The 20-year-old has found the back of the net 54 times and secured 11 assists in 164 appearances for Santos this season across multiple competitions.
The talented starlet has been a decent performer in the opponent’s half based on his average of 2.7 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the Brasileirao. He has even been accurate when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after completing 75.3% of his attempted passes in the Brazilian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Leonardo is under contract at the Brazilian club until the end of 2026. Therefore, Newcastle might struggle to sign him on the cheap this January or at the end of this campaign.
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Recruit Leonardo?
Leonardo is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third. He can even shoot the ball with power and accuracy from all ranges.
The Brazilian whizkid is a technically gifted footballer who can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. However, Leonardo is still quite raw and would need time to prove his worth at the highest level. Plus, he might struggle to adapt to the physical side of English football.
We can expect Leonardo to bring more firepower and depth to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe‘s frontline. At 20, the future is quite bright for the Brazilian prospect as long as he continues to improve with each season.
Leonardo would be a great, long-term signing for the Magpies to pull off next year. Thus, Howe would be wise to go all out to recruit the Brazilian talent in the upcoming winter transfer window or at the end of this campaign.
