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Newcastle United: Pros and cons to signing Edinson Cavani

By Durim Halimi

Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Girondins de Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on February 23, 2020. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Girondins de Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on February 23, 2020. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images) /
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It is being reported that Newcastle United’s would be owners are keen on securing the services of Edinson Cavani this summer.

Newcastle United are still waiting for official confirmation from the Premier League regarding the takeover of the club. Both parties are confident the deal will be approved, but fans are growing anxious as a result of two letters sent to the Premier League from Amnesty International and BeIN Sports.

It would not be a Newcastle United takeover without the presence of unexpected obstacles, right? Yeah, well, we will see what happens with that. Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his partners are focused on moving forward, though, and a new report from ESPN claims that there has been communication between the new owners and Edinson Cavani’s agent.

Cavani currently plays his football at PSG, but he is desperately looking to leave the French giants after falling down the pecking order at the striker position. Many clubs are interested in signing the veteran, a list which now includes Newcastle United, but would he be a good signing?

Edinson Cavani: Pros and Cons

Pros

A key reason why the Magpies are keen on signing Cavani this summer is because of his experience. The Uruguayan international has scored 304 goals in 438 appearances across all competitions for Napoli and PSG since 2010. On paper, that scoring record would make him the best striker to suit up for Newcastle United since Alan Shearer.

Over the last ten seasons, Cavani has competed in eight Champions League tournaments and two Europa League tournaments. In total, Cavani has scored 47 goals and completed eight assists in 77 appearances across both continental competitions.

His overall style of play makes him an elite striker as he can score with both feet and is a threat in the air. Cavani is also an underrated playmaker who has averaged five assists in his last four full seasons with PSG.

Cons

There are no real negatives to point out about Cavani’s abilities, but his age raises a red flag for two reasons. Cavani, 33, is approaching the end of his playing career. That does not mean he does not have a few more solid years left in the tank, but it does mean Newcastle United would be signing a player well out of his prime.

When he was 31 and 32, Cavani managed to score 28 goals and 18 goals for PSG, but he had an amazing supporting cast on the front line and in midfield. It is also worth mentioning that PSG is a dominant force in French football and the disparity between them and their opponents is quite noticeable.

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Secondly, Cavani has never played in the Premier League. It would take Cavani time to adapt to the pace and aggression of English football, but time is not on his side. If the Magpies can sign Cavani for a low price then that would be good business, but the new owners should focus on signing players who can have a long-term impact.