Newcastle transfers: Who is Guilherme Siqueira?
Newcastle United could be ready to turn to the loan transfer market as they look to wrap up their January business.
One of the names linked with the St. James’ Park side is Atletico Madrid defender Guilherme Siqueira, who is reportedly of interest to the Tyneside bosses.
The Chronicle reported that Siqueira, who has hardly played this season, is available for loan and willing to come to the Magpies as he looks to restart his season.
More from Editorials
- Can Newcastle United repeat the success of the 2022-23 season?
- NUFC midfielder called up to the Brazil National Team
- Newcastle vs. Manchester United: what should you expect?
- Allan Saint-Maximin: A struggle for consistent play
- Newcastle United’s starting lineup for the rest of the season
The Brazilian has had a chequered history, and has never quite managed to nail down a long-term role at any one club.
Since 2007, the 29-year-old has played for four clubs, and made 140 appearances. Starting out at Udinese in Serie A, he made only two league appearances before moving on to Granada.
It was here that Siqueira played the majority of his football, turning out 99 times in the league and scoring 12 goals. These stats earned him a loan move to Benfica, for whom he started 18 times in the league, before Atletico came calling.
After 25 La Liga starts since June 2014, he is now on the move again and looking for new pastures.
Tweeting about the player, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague wrote: “Siqueira: clever guy, always cheerful. Better attacking than defending but learnt lots with Simeone. If he goes at Newcastle he’ll adapt easily.”
What Balague wrote about the player seems to ring true. According to the comparison site Sqwuaka, Siqueira is behind Paul Dummett and Massadio Haïdara in nearly all aspects of his game, apart from in attack.
“Newcastle move for Guilherme Siqueira, strange one and reeks of panic buy” – Graeme Bailey
Per 90 minutes he makes less blocks, tackles, interceptions and wins less aerial duels than both those players, but in attack he is miles ahead.
With an overall score going forward of 4.34, it is better than Dummett’s (0.56) and Haidara (3.94) – something that will give the Magpies more in attack, but a lot less in defence.
Given the nature of Newcastle’s defence this season, it would seem unwise to throw caution to the wind and bring in a player who is clearly weak at stopping opposition attacks.
Next: Alan Pardew's 40 signings ranked and rated
Do you want to create original, opinionated articles for Newcastle Toons? Click here to kick start your application process.