Amazing Newcastle target valued at £42m may now have made a U-turn on his future
Newcastle United may have encountered a setback in their pursuit of a long-standing transfer target, raising questions about their midfield strategy.
Last season, Newcastle United faced criticism for lacking a dedicated defensive midfielder. Bruno Guimaraes has admirably filled this role since Jonjo Shelvey’s departure.
However, there were discussions during the 2022/23 campaign about whether Guimaraes was playing out of position, given his preference to play further forward.
The acquisition of Sandro Tonali last summer brought a versatile central midfielder to the team. However, there were doubts about the compatibility between the Italian midfielder and Guimaraes.
Although they showed potential as a pair, Tonali’s season ended prematurely, and their partnership was not without its challenges.
For some time now, Newcastle has been linked with signing a new midfielder. Kalvin Phillips was a strong candidate in January, but Newcastle decided against acquiring the England international, who later had a disappointing loan spell at West Ham.
Another potential target was Atalanta’s Ederson, praised by pundit Owen Hargreaves for his performance in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Ederson, valued at around £42 million (up from £34 million), was initially keen to leave Atalanta. However, after winning the Europa League and with the UEFA Super Cup on the horizon, the 24-year-old might reconsider his future in Bergamo.
The absence of a defensive midfielder was a concern last season, but Newcastle had one of the Premier League’s best defenses the previous season.
This suggests that Guimaraes can continue to fulfill this role effectively. With Tonali’s return, and with players like Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock, and Joelinton aiming to avoid injury issues, Newcastle might have sufficient midfield depth.
Including young talents like Lewis Miley and seasoned players like Sean Longstaff, Newcastle has six central midfielders. Given their typical 4-3-3 formation, this depth could be adequate for focusing on domestic competitions.
While missing out on Ederson would be disappointing given Newcastle’s apparent interest, the club must consider their Financial Fair Play (FFP) limitations. Prioritizing other less well-stocked areas might be more beneficial during this period.
Newcastle United’s midfield strategy requires careful consideration. With Guimaraes, Tonali, and a roster of capable midfielders, the team might already possess the necessary depth. Focusing on strengthening other areas could be the key to achieving their ambitions while adhering to FFP regulations.
Read Also: NUFC News: Eddie Howe battles over six selection dilemmas ahead of crucial Brighton game
REad Also: He’s lying: Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks Eddie Howe isn’t being honest about £12M Newcastle Ace
