Newcastle United are on a roll this season. The Magpies are currently on a very good run and have continued their surge in the Premier League table. Rafa Benitez has been very pragmatic with his strategy and it has worked well so far, but the absence of a goalkeeper has been his achilles heel.
Benitez’s failure to lure a top-notch keeper to Newcastle has been the one consistent problem so far this season although Rob Elliot has been decent so far. According to reports, the Toon are interested in Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera. The 31-year-old has been in good form and Benitez wants to lure him to England in January.
Except for the goalkeeping department, the Magpies brought fresh faces in almost every section at the club but Benitez probably isn’t convinced with his current crop of keepers. Karl Darlow was the preferred choice last season in the Championship as Benitez steered them through to the promotion by winning the Championship title.
However, the sheer of lack of intent in the summer transfer window frustrated Benitez as he was particularly annoyed with owner Mike Ashley’s role. Ashley promised healthy transfer funds in the summer but couldn’t hold onto his promise and failed to add required quality to the side.
Funds could be a problem in the winter transfer window too as the owner has already listed the club for sale and if he is to leave the club, he won’t invest much as it would be difficult for him to recover his investment.
Muslera’a profile could be a hit at the St James Park as the 31-year-old seems to have the necessary experience to back his side up, in this gruelling campaign. Elliot can be very inconsistent at times and Muslera’s availability could be a much-needed boost for the Magpies.
The South American keeper has maintained the same level of performances for a long time but with the World Cup scheduled to be held next year, he might be too interested in a change that could endanger his place in the World Cup squad.
He is likely to cost around £8m which is negligible these days in this inflated market. Newcastle United have been playing well so far as their defence have pulled themselves up from the previous campaign but a need of a shot-stopper is very much evident at the St James’.
The Spanish gaffer is also aiming for Geronimo Rulli as an alternative option but Muslera remains his prime target for now. So do you think they should go all in for him?
