After missing out on Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, Newcastle United could now reportedly shift their focus to a similar deal for Eddie Howe this summer.
The Magpies were poised to secure both Adarabioyo and Kelly, but only the latter is now close to being confirmed after Chelsea swooped in and snatched the former in a frustrating turn of events for those at St James’ Park.
However, Newcastle should still be on track to welcome Kelly as their second summer signing after Lewis Hall’s loan obligation to buy was activated throughout the season.
Both new signings should help ease Howe’s defensive depth issues, with Kelly’s versatility to play both left-back and centre-back being particularly valuable, especially considering long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
But Kelly won’t be the only player helping to mitigate these injury problems this summer.
According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Newcastle could pursue Mario Hermoso on a free transfer once his Atletico Madrid contract expires this summer.
However, they face significant competition from Aston Villa, who are confident in their chances of signing the defender in the coming months.
With an uphill battle to secure Hermoso’s signature, Newcastle may need to act swiftly to present the Spaniard with an appealing offer to match his reported £138k-a-week salary at Atletico Madrid, especially given their need for a central defender.
“Revelation” Hermoso could step up alongside Kelly
Replacing Botman, in particular, will be no easy feat at St James’ Park next season, but a player of Hermoso’s calibre and experience could be well-suited for the task if Newcastle can win the race for his signature.
The Atletico Madrid man had another strong season in La Liga, but with his contract ending, a new challenge awaits.
| League stats per 90 (via FBref) | Mario Hermoso | Sven Botman |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 29 | 15 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.37 | 0 |
| Progressive Passes | 6.23 | 2.29 |
| Ball Recoveries | 5.92 | 4.58 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 1.62 | 2.22 |
Hermoso’s skill on the ball is particularly notable and could even put Botman or Fabian Schar’s starting positions at risk if he opts for St James’ Park this summer.
Increased competition for places would only benefit the Magpies, who are eager to return to European competition next season.
The Premier League’s interest in Hermoso is unsurprising and something that Zach Lowy anticipated when he praised the defender during his Porto days.
Describing the Spaniard as a “revelation,” Lowy might now see Hermoso taking his biggest step yet by moving to either Aston Villa or Newcastle this summer.
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