Newcastle United should throw their hat in the race for one of the most talented wingers in England now that he will be searching for a new club.
The transfer window is open for Premier League clubs, and Newcastle United seem to be planning ahead with Mike Ashley still calling the shots in the front office. Fans were hoping to see the would-be owners in charge by now, but the takeover of the club is still in “pending” status.
Earlier this week, Steve Bruce was notified of the budget he has to work with during this summer transfer window. 35m is far from enough to upgrade the squad in every area of the pitch, but it is better than nothing.
Newcastle United were linked with a wide range of top players across Europe, but they can still sign some quality players with the aforementioned budget. One player in particular that the Magpies should strongly consider pursuing is Gerard Deulofeu.
The Spaniard will not be taking his talents to the Championship with Watford, and rightfully so. The 26-year-old winger is now in his prime, and he is one of the most exciting midfielders to watch in England.
Deulofeu joined Watford as a loanee from Barcelona in January of 2018 and signed a permanent contract with the Hornets a few months later. In total, Deulofeu scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 games for Watford across all competitions, with his best campaign being last season as he was directly involved in 15 goals.
Newcastle United need to add more quality in the final third. Allan Saint-Maximin is the only winger who regularly causes problems out wide and creates big plays with minimal support. With Miguel Almiron better off in the number ten role up the middle, Deulofeu would start every game on the wing opposite of Saint-Maximin.
Deulofeu’s 2019-20 campaign did end early due to tearing his ACL in Watford’s 3-0 win over Liverpool back in February, but the good news is his recovery is going well. Despite being injured at the moment, Newcastle United need him in their squad.
His pace, technical skills, good vision, great movement off the ball, and shooting accuracy make him a no-brainer signing for a team like Newcastle United. The club only managed to score 38 goals this season, so it is apparent that more creativity is needed across the front line.
At the time of this writing, Newcastle United have not been linked with Watford’s star man, but they would be wise to express interest and recruit him to Tyneside. What are your thoughts – would you like to see Gerard Deulofeu in the black and white stripes? Comment below.