Newcastle United might be leading the race to clinch the Championship silverware and to also get an automatic promotion back to the Premier League but their latest 1-3 defeat at the hands of Fulham at St. James’ Park has given a testamentary reminder that they are far from being a perfect side.
More than a loss of three points at their own backyard, the Geordies have cast their automatic qualification hopes in doubt once again, considering Huddersfield Town’s consistency and Brighton & Hove Albion’s resurrection by winning two games on the trot after successive defeats.
The latest scenario implies that Rafael Benitez is still far from figuring out a fearsome outfit and would take a dip in the transfer window to assess his prospective targets. Strengthening his backline would hold paramount importance for the former Real Madrid manager and apparently, he has started to jot down his homework with respect to the transfers he would target after the season concludes.
One of the latest reports to have surfaced is that of Newcastle United plotting a move to lure AS Saint-Etienne’s second string youngster Mickael Nade.
Nade is a centre-back with immense potential and is widely touted as the next Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman has come through the ranks of the Saints and despite not having featured for Saint-Etienne’s senior side, he is very highly rated owing to the scintillating calibre with which he has been plying his trade for the Under-19 and reserve sides.
Owner Mike Ashley isn’t renowned for splashing truckloads of cash in the transfer market and interestingly, Nade’s contract expires in the summer. This implies that he would come relatively cheap, as a nominal development fee is to be furnished for him, should the Toons lure him to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United has been a breeding ground since time immemorial for the French players and the 18-year-old defender shouldn’t refrain from making a move to a developing side like Newcastle United. Benitez does have the luxury of having as many as four acclaimed centre-backs in Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Chancel Mbemba and Grant Hanley but if they can successfully rope in Nade, he would bring a fresh vibe and would be a long-term replacement for the existing central defenders.
Moreover, the prospect that he could learn and develop himself under someone like Benitez should appeal him and thus, his move to Newcastle United should benefit all the parties involved.
