Jeff Hendrick would be a boost to Newcastle’s midfield
With a lack of depth in the midfield, Newcastle United should absolutely pursue free agent Jeff Hendrick.
While it’s not a top priority to upgrade this summer, Newcastle United could use another qualified option in their central midfield entering next season. With Jonjo Shelvey as the star there, the only other players under contract at the moment are Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff with Nabil Bentaleb’s loan ending and Matty Longstaff’s contract expiring. Newcastle United are reportedly interested in adding Jeff Hendrick this summer.
Hendrick’s contract came to an end after this season with Burnley and he’s available by way of a free transfer now, which has intrigued clubs like Newcastle, Villa, and AC Milan. This season, he played in 27 matches across all competitions, scored three goals, and had two assists. In the Premier League, he started 22 matches for the Clarets as they finished 10th on the table.
I wouldn’t expect Hendrick’s kits to sell out, but he’s a quality veteran player. He has over 100 EPL appearances in his career and is a two-way player in the midfield. While he’s 28 years old and Mike Ashley prefers to add younger options, there is no transfer fee involved and his wages should not be too high.
Next. NUFC is the perfect landing spot for this relegated star. dark
His arrival would give Steve Bruce either a quality player to mix in to spell Shelvey or Hayden, or he could become a starter if he impresses early on. Of the midfielders on the roster, Hendrick can push the ball forward with the ball at his feet better than the rest. That is a welcome dynamic to a club as they try to get more attack-minded in the 2020-21 season.