Newcastle United have taken the highway as a strategy this summer transfer season, like most big clubs in Europe, do during this period. Rafael Benitez’s side have managed to link themselves with almost all exciting prospects in the market, hoping to let their interest known and in the process, land the player.
The latest name to join the list is Celtic FC star as per reports, Leigh Griffiths. The Hoops’ invincible season in the Scottish Premiership didn’t garner such speculation about the forward, as his two stunning free-kicks against England in the World Cup Qualifiers did. The 26-year-old centre-forward is suddenly wanted by Premier League clubs, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United now.
Although his solo efforts weren’t enough for Scotland to win the game as Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane drove in a half-volley with precision with just seconds remaining on the clock, the 26-year-old centre-forward has surely written his name in countless memories.
The Magpies found themselves comfortable in front of the goal last season as they scored a whopping 85 goals to clinch the Championship title, but the Spanish manager is well aware of the fact that Championship strikers haven’t always been a hit in the Premier League.
In the likes of Dwight Gayle, Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Benitez does have some thrilling options for sure, but not getting a proven forward in his comeback season in the Premier League would be a huge risk. And Griffiths is surely one of the decent performers on the world stage.
Although under Brendan Rodgers, the Edinburgh-born forward has been mostly second fiddle to French sensation Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair’s heroics left little limelight for the Scotsman to be in. But he did manage to get a good 18 goals and 15 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants.
A centre-forward by nature, Griffiths is also comfortable playing on the right wing, something which comes in immensely handy when one is in the Premier League. And with Celtic’s regular participation in the Champions League, the striker surely has top level experience.
To top that, his short stint with Wolves from 2011 to 2014 also shows his experience in English football. Although he was seen loaned off to other clubs more often and played just 31 times in four seasons, it did contribute to his progress.
Since making his debut for the national team back in November 2012, he hasn’t been a regular face managing just 13 appearances so far. But, his brace last week is certainly changing that.
