After Newcastle United released some of their players lately, it would be of paramount importance for them to beef up the quality of their squad in order to face the animosity which the Premier League would have on offer for them next season. Rafael Benitez masterminded an automatic promotion for the Geordies last term as they earned an immediate return back to the English top division and also clinch the 2016-17 Sky Bet Championship silverware in the process.
The summer transfer window will be absolutely crucial for the Toons and for the continuation of their momentum, adding a potent striker will be crucial. According to the Sky Bet bookmakers, the black and white crops are believed to be the favourites to lure Chelsea’s striker Michy Batshuayi to St. James’ Park in the summer transfer window. Ever since arriving from Marseille last summer, Batshuayi has found opportunities pretty hard to come by and to get more time on the pitch under his belt, he might personally vouch for an outlet.
Last season in the Premier League, the English top flight champions handed 20 appearances to the Belgium international (which comprises of merely 1 start) and the striker mustered 5 goals and 1 assist in the process. Considering the availability of Diego Costa under the ranks of Antonio Conte coupled with the anticipated incoming of Romelu Lukaku, it isn’t hard to perceive that the youngster will be pushed further behind in the pecking order and is seemingly likely to face an absolute dearth of first-team opportunities.
The 23-year-old is at that stage of his career where he should be eyeing to carve a fine name for himself by plying his trade regularly and it goes without saying that he is unlikely to see his demands being met with the Blues. A loan deal should be beneficial to all the parties involved, particularly to the striker who would be keen to show his value in the Premier League and then attempt to challenge for a place in the starting line-up for Chelsea if he successfully manoeuvres a notable campaign for himself.
Batshuayi is a player of fine calibre who could bang goals consistently if handed game time and is backed by his side’s manager. He is a shrewd commodity up front, holds the ball well, is clinical and always eyes for goals. Besides, he has plenty of experience and passes the ball really well in the final third. By no means, he is a polished product, but if he moves under the tutelage of someone like Benitez, he could brush himself up and aid the Magpies in their cause of refraining from getting into the relegation dogfight next season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
