Looking for stability at left-back, Newcastle United should sign this consistent Premier League performer.
Whenever this season officially ends, Newcastle United’s group of left-backs will be depleted. Danny Rose and Jetro Willems’ loan deals will end unless NUFC buys one or the other. That will leave the Magpies with Paul Dummett, who is steady but brings nothing in the attack, and Matt Ritchie, who is by no means a true defender. With that in mind, Newcastle United should make a bold move to secure this quality left-back for the foreseeable future.
Patrick van Aanholt has played over 100 matches for Crystal Palace since arriving from Sunderland in 2017. In 184 Premier League matches, van Aanholt only has two errors leading to goals and counters that with five clearances off the line.
Not only is he consistent on the backline, but he’s a contributor going forward, too. He has 14 goals and three assists for Palace. This season, he has scored three of those, including a match-winning free kick against Newcastle United.
van Aanholt, whose contract ends in June 2021, would actually be returning to Newcastle United if they buy him this summer. He played briefly as a short-term loanee back in the 2009-10 Championship season.
It wouldn’t be an exciting signing or one that would sell a ton of kits, but you would be spending good money to bring in a player you can simply plug in and not have to worry about. Crystal Palace won’t be eager to sell him, but with new investment coming soon, Newcastle should be able to give them an offer they can’t refuse for the Dutch left-back.