Newcastle United need to sign a striker this week, and fans will be hoping it is Callum WIlson, but who should be “Plan B” if the deal falls through?
Newcastle United have been very active over the last 48 hours as they are nearing completion on two deals. The first deal involves free agent Ryan Fraser, and the second deal is a £12.5m agreement with Sassuolo over Brazilian left-back Rogerio.
All that remains now is official word from Newcastle United that those deals are in the bag. Those transfers would be considered solid business for the Toon as they would fill the void in two critical areas, but a striker needs to walk through the door.
With an injury prone Andy Carroll and timid Joelinton being the only strikers available to Steve Bruce to start the season, Newcastle United fans are praying that Bournemouth and England striker Callum Wilson makes the move to Tyneside.
The current deal on the table is cash plus winger Matt Ritchie, but what happens if this deal falls through? The 2020-21 campaign kicks off next weekend, and it does not look like the front office has a plan B in place. Well, here is a realistic proposal for the decision-makers at Newcastle United to consider.
Michy Batshuayi
The talented Chelsea striker is still there for the taking, but he could be snapped up this week as Premier League newcomers West Brom and Leeds United aim to sign him in a loan deal. Newcastle United are no strangers to completing loans and this would be one of the best loanees they could ask for.
The Belgian international was a complete outcast at Chelsea last season as he only made 16 appearances for Frank Lampard’s side, and was only involved in two goals. He excelled as a loanee for Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace during the 2017-18 campaign, though. In Germany, Batshuayi scored seven goals and bagged one assist in 10 games, and he found the back of the net five times in 11 appearances for Crystal Palace.
He struggled on loan at Valencia, but La Liga does not suit his style. Batshuayi’s numbers are not outstanding, but he is certainly an upgrade when compared to Carroll and Joelinton. The 26-year-old’s pace, athleticism, and technical skills make him an attractive option to lead the front line.
Rhian Brewster
Newcastle United have been linked with a possible loan move for Rhian Brewster, but Liverpool are only willing to entertain offers for a permanent transfer. Last week, I claimed that Brewster has the potential to be a great striker, but his inexperience would be a gamble for the Toon.
With the season only seven days away, however, a gamble might be needed. The 20-year-old, who is recognized as one of England’s rising stars, scored 11 goals in 22 appearances for Swansea City in the Championship last term. He has carried that fine form into preseason with three goals in two friendlies against Stuttgart and Red Bull Salzburg.
The youngster still has plenty to prove, especially in the top flight, but he is a dynamic player who thrives when he links up with others in give-and-go situations. With Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin providing support in the final third, Brewster could be a hit on Tyneside. Key word, “could”.