Should Newcastle United look for a Dan Burn replacement in the offseason?

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United and Dan Burn of Newcastle United compete for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on April 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United and Dan Burn of Newcastle United compete for the ball during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on April 05, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

As Newcastle United continues to find stellar play, one inconsistent issue has been the team’s left-back position.

After Matt Targett went down with an injury, center-back Dan Burn was placed into that role, and even with Targett back, Burn has stayed in his spot. Although Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe has trusted Burn, his on-the-pitch play has sometimes been difficult to defend.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dan Burn of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United at Brentford Community Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dan Burn of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Newcastle United at Brentford Community Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Howe runs a very systematic offense and defense that can eliminate some players from growing their role on the squad. Unfortunately, for Targett, he’s fallen victim to that systematic approach.

With Burn in the left-back role, the hope was that he could provide consistent defense, no more and no less.

Howe’s system enjoys having speedy and versatile defenders like captain Kieran Trippier, but Burn hinders that greatly. He’s not speedy, he provides no offensive threat and his defense has been lackluster at best.

He normally thrives as a center-back, but on the left side, the opposing wingers have been able to fly past him and create great chances.

So, should Newcastle United make a move this offseason to replace the struggling 30-year-old?

Well, yes and no.

The team needs to find a legitimate left back, and a prominent option is Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, whom we highlighted in early February.

He’s been disgruntled with his time at the club and is seeking a fresh start and Newcastle United could be that fresh start he needs. Currently, his worth sits at roughly £25 million, something the team could easily scrounge up to throw at the first-place Premier League side.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal is challenged by Michael Olise of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on March 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal is challenged by Michael Olise of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on March 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

With that being said, that would kick Burn and Targett out of their spots at left-back.

However, Burn can stay with the Magpies as the backup center-back. That would be the most ideal fit for both parties.

Burn is getting up there in age, and Newcastle has continued to shine atop the Premier League standings. It would be perfect for Burn to stay and back up both Sven Botman and Fabian Schar to help the team in tournament play.

It’ll only be a matter of time until the Magpies have to make a move in the offseason and its uncertain whether or not they will stick with Burn in the back.

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