Newcastle United Opinion: Wesley Moraes could be the perfect replacement for Rondon
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are in the race to sign Brazilian centre-forward Wesley Moraes from Belgian giants Club Brugge this summer.
The Chronicle Live understands that the 22-year-old hitman has attracted plenty of interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and England, with recently-crowned Italian cup winners Lazio, as well as east London giants West Ham, believed to be hot on his trail.
Moraes has been in terrific form form Club Brugge this season and shed tears after playing his final game in Belgium. The Brazilian impressed with 17 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season and his red-hot form has put him on the radar of some of the Premier League clubs.
The 22-year-old rose through the youth ranks at Brazilian club Itabuna before making his move to Europe with Slovakian club Trencin, where he carved out a reputation for himself as a bright emerging prospect.
Wesley earned a move to Belgian giants Club Brugge back in 2016 and he hasn’t looked back ever since, establishing himself as one of the most lethal strikers in the Belgian top-flight over the course of three-and-a-half seasons at the club.
The Brazilian netted twice in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League this term, including goals against Monaco in both the legs to ensure that the club finished third in their group and qualified to the Europa League. He scored in the Round of 32 tie against Salzburg but that wasn’t enough to send Brugge through to the next round.
Moraes has made a total of 130 appearances for Brugge in all competitions, accumulating 38 goals and 14 assists, and few would argue that he certainly deserves a chance to prove his credentials at a higher level.
Still only 22, he is very much in the developmental stage of his career but he already has plenty of experience and a move to the Premier League could help him announce himself on the bigger stage.
To put things into perspective, Newcastle United can bag a massive coup if they manage to beat off competition and strike a deal for the talented Brazilian frontman this summer.
A young and talented player with potentially high resale value- the 22-year-old perfectly fits the profile of players that owner Mike Ashley likes to target in the transfer market, and the Magpies could have a gem on their hands if he goes on to fulfil his potential at St. James’ Park.
Ayoze Perez finished the Premier League season with a career-best tally of 12 goals and his form has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Napoli and Inter Milan (h/t Guardian).
Newcastle are also unlikely to trigger the release clause in West Brom loanee Salomon Rondon’s contract, despite the Venezuelan playing a key role up front this season. Joselu, on the other hand, has fallen way down the pecking order and few would be surprised if the Spaniard decides to move elsewhere.
Suffice to say, Newcastle need to bring in a promising out-and-out centre-forward this summer and Wesley Moraes certainly fits the bill. Standing at 6ft. 3 inches with a towering and sinewy frame, the Brazilian is capable of making an impact in the Premier League with his physicality, aerial ability and poaching instincts in front of goal.
Blessed with a good turn of pace and plenty of flair and trickery on the ball, Moraes has the intelligence, agility and sharpness to lose his marker and outsmart the opposition with his clever movement inside the box.
To add to that, he shields the ball really well and often brings his physique into play to hold the ball up with his back to the goal. The youngster has a good eye for a pass and is adept at using short and deft exchanges to link up with his teammates in and around the penalty area, meaning that he is also capable of setting up goals and creating chances.
Having managed to beat the drop in the Premier League for the past two seasons, it is now time for the Magpies to consolidate their position and challenge for a top-ten finish next term.
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If Wesley Moraes manages to replicate the kind of form that he has shown in Belgium, the Magpies could give their mid-table rivals a good run for their money in the league.
