The top five transfer needs for Newcastle United

Playmaker

Newcastle United encompass players with a variety of skills, but one thing that the team has been lacking for years is a playmaker in midfield. A playmaker is not someone who tries to set a team-mate up for a scoring chance or makes a nice run to impress the crowd. Instead, a playmaker is best defined as someone who can influence and take control of the game.

Fortunately for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United, they do not have to look very far as Xherdan Shaqiri plays his football in England. The Swiss international midfielder is the sole bright spot of Stoke City and everyone knows it.

Shaqiri gives maximum effort to secure points for his struggling club, but his efforts are unmatched by his team-mates. He is a major threat out on the wing, as he frequently dribbles past defenders, gets into the penalty area multiple times in a match and is a precise finisher.

Thus far this season, Shaqiri has scored seven goals and has six assists. The former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan player would make life easier for Benitez at Newcastle. Shaqiri has always had a crucial role on his teams and he did not earn the nickname “Messi of the Alps” by mistake.

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Would Shaqiri be enough to turn Newcastle into a competitive mid-table club? No. However, with some additional reinforcements, the Magpies could be a frightening side in the future. Valued at 18 million euros, the 26-year-old midfielder would be worth every penny that comes out of Mike Ashley’s pocket.