If the latest reports are to be believed, Newcastle United are aiming to lure Leganes star Gabriel Pires to St. James’ Park in the summer. Magpies are in the hunt for acquiring someone to add some more flair and flamboyance to their no. 10 slot and have thus put the Pires on their radar as Rafael Benitez is all set to solidify his ranks before he faces the animosity which the Premier League would have on offer for them in the upcoming season.
The need to pluck quality players and it seems like they have found a right one at this stroke of the hour. Benitez masterminded the promotion inked by the Geordies as they carved an immediate return back to the top division of English football.
Under the tutelage of the former Real Madrid boss, the black and white crops consolidated their position, added strength to strength, kept piling convincing results more often than not and the output which they garnered by clinching the Championship silverware is the testament to the same.
However, the competition would be humungous next term and it goes without saying that the apparent interest in signing Pires makes perfect sense. The 23-year-old emerged through the youth ranks of Vasco da Gama and Juventus but failed to register even a single appearance for the Old Lady. He was farmed out on loan to various clubs and after a convincing season with Leganes in the 2015-16 campaign, he was eventually signed on a permanent basis by the La Liga minnows in the summer of 2016.
Pires cultivated a decent season in the Spanish top tier, bagging 5 goals and 2 assists in 34 La Liga appearances in the season which just concluded and owing to his fine run of outings, he has been able to pave his way into the good books of the football fraternity. One of the finest traits of the Brazilian is that he is well accustomed to play anywhere in the midfield, although the central attacking midfield position is where he thrives the best.
His well-structured frame enables him to have the upper hand during set-pieces and corners, creates adequate chances in the final third, is a fine dribbler and is meticulous with free-kicks. Besides, he contributes heavily and toils relentlessly and these characteristics make him a compelling commodity. The Toons cannot afford to loosen their grip by elevating unproven youngster and someone like Pires will is seemingly likely to aid them to keep themselves in the Premier League.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
