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Reacting to the Josef Martinez rumors

By Durim Halimi

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 14: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United reacts against Club America during the final of the Campeones Cup between Club America and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 14: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United reacts against Club America during the final of the Campeones Cup between Club America and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in pursuing Josef Martinez from Atlanta United in January.

Newcastle United are doing what they should have done a long time ago by preparing for the next transfer window a few months early. Steve Bruce has been meeting with Steve Nickson, the club’s head of recruitment, to identify possible targets for the January transfer window. Ironically, a few days after our very own Carson A. Merk suggested that Josef Martinez would be a great fit for Newcastle United, a new report came out today claiming that the front office is in fact interested in exploring the possibility of securing his services.

Martinez is on fire at the moment across the Atlantic and he is on track to break several world records. Lionel Messi currently holds the world record of scoring in 21 consecutive matches, but Martinez has now scored in 15 straight games for Atlanta United, which is an MLS record.

Rumor Reaction

This would be a great move for Newcastle United and Josef Martinez. The Magpies have a talented young striker in Joelinton, but the team lacks sufficient quality behind him. Players like Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto are not capable of elevating the status of the club in the top flight.

A player like Martinez, on the other end, would provide a major boost for the club. A big reason for this is his experience playing with Miguel Almiron. As a striking duo in Atlanta, both players brought the best out of each other, and the understanding they have for one another’s style of play would be huge.

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In addition, the arrival of Martinez would allow Bruce to do two things. Firstly, he could play Martinez and Joelinton up top together. Joelinton is strong and can hold the ball up while others get in good positions around him, and Martinez has the pace of a winger and knows how to create chances for himself in the final third.

Secondly, Bruce can finally be set on playing Almiron in midfield to allow the Paraguayan to take on the role of a playmaker. Having Almiron running in behind the duo of Joelinton and Martinez is intriguing and I can see the trio forming a successful partnership.