Takeover Talks are looming large all over Newcastle United and it might be on the verge of materialising in the near future. With the new owners at the helm, the faithful are hoping that it might give the Magpies their desired financial power to bring in new players and turn the tide back in their favour as per the results are concerned.
Newcastle United got off to a prompt start in the first few weeks in the season but slowly came back to their grind only to be subjected to five defeats in six games. They now stand sixteenth on the table with fifteen points from sixteen games.
On the transfer front, things have been very jittery and unplanned. Rafael Benitez has made no secret of the fact that Newcastle United need new players. After a very impressive season in the Championships that saw Newcastle return to the Premier League, Benitez demanded more signings of Premier League standard to establish the club in England’s premier competition.
However, with Newcastle unable to sell their existing crop of players, Newcastle has had to deal with a stagnant squad and that has frustrated Benitez.
Benitez has made it clear that he wants reinforcements in the January transfer window. Let us take a look at the three players who Newcastle would do well with.
Bacary Sagna
An attacking full-back with prior Premier League experience for the biggest teams in England is available on a free transfer. 34-year old Bacary Sagna was unloaded by City this season and nobody has made a move for the Frenchman yet.
Although at 34, he no longer has the game of old, however, his experience will definitely come in handy if Newcastle want to last it out at the Premier League. Moreover, with players coming in at incredibly high prices and Newcastle owner unwilling to spend a lot of money, a free transfer of a player of Sagna’s quality could be a versatile buy for a club like Newcastle.
Joshua King
16 goals in 16 matches clearly mean that there is a problem up front. A problem regarding lack of goals often boils down to the lack of an efficient hitman. Not many efficient players maybe available in the current market given Newcastle’s stringent budget.
In such a scenario, Joshua King of Bournemouth may become an incredible signing for Newcastle. He scored 16 goals last season for the Cherries, including the all-important one to sink Sunderland to the Championships, something that will definitely endear him to the Newcastle fans.
Michael Carrick
The most calming presence on the pitch is usually the one that causes the most damage. Michael Carrick is the master of such calming presence for any team and although the 36-year-old is on his last legs, this might be the ideal time to bring him in for a club like Newcastle. His Premier League experience will come in extremely valuable for Newcastle and Benitez.
More importantly, he will be again one of those rare players who will be available on a very cheap price if not free completely. Carrick a serial winner with Manchester United, will know how to transfer that mentality to Benitez’s current crop of players.
