Why Edinson Cavani can help Newcastle United sharpen their attack
According to ESPN (h/t The Sun), PSG superstar Edinson Cavani is one of the shortlisted targets if the £300m takeover happens at Newcastle United.
The 33-year-old Uruguayan’s current deal with PSG is set to expire this summer. The veteran striker is most likely to depart the Parisians, with the player and the club failing to agree on a contract extension (h/t The Sun).
That said, Newcastle can make the best of this opportunity and land Cavani, who has been one of the most consistent strikers in Europe.
Injuries and the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi has restricted the Uruguayan to just 14 league appearances this season.
Despite that, Cavani has still scored four goals and provided two assists, making it evident that talent does not shade away with time. Also, having scored a total of 200 goals from 301 games across all competitions for PSG, there is no denying that Cavani is a class finisher.
Cavani has been one of the reasons for PSG’s undisputed dominance in the France. The Uruguayan has won five Ligue 1 titles during his time with the club.
A top scorer in the French top-flight twice (2016/17, 2017/18) and once in Serie A with Napoli (2012/13), his numbers are a testament to his ability and longevity. Also, having made over 556 club appearances altogether and scoring a massive 341 goals to date, it’s no wonder the Magpies have considered him as a potential target (h/t The Sun).
Newcastle lack a star striker in the mould of Cavani
Meanwhile, a weak attacking unit has seen Newcastle suffer this season. The Magpies cling to 13th place in the league table. Scoring a mere 25 goals from 29 league matches, the lack of a prolific goal-scorer has hurt them badly.
Manager Steve Bruce’s record summer signing Joelinton, who arrived from Hoffenheim has been a major disappointment, managing to score just once despite appearing in all their league games. The Magpies also have three other strikers in veteran Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle, and Yoshinori Muto. However, the three have been far from impressive, forcing Bruce to stick with Joelinton.
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Hence, it is very clear that Newcastle United lack a talismanic striker in the mould of Cavani. His addition would be a morale booster for a side that lacks sharpness in its attack.
Verdict
Bringing Cavani to St. James Park will do Newcastle a world of good as he has proven his worth at all his former sides. Moreover, age is just a number as Cavani has shown this with his goal-scoring exploits in the last few years for a top club like PSG.
His vast experience playing at the highest level would come in handy if the Magpies sign him this summer.
