Newcastle signing this 23-year-old Brazilian ace would add some much-needed depth up front

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Newcastle United must sign Gremio forward Everton Soares

Back in December, Foot Mercato (h/t The Chronicle Live) had claimed that Newcastle United had scouted Gremio forward Everton Soares on several occasions. However, the Premier League club never made a move for the player during the January transfer window.

Everton Soares, 23, had a fantastic 2018/19 season with Gremio as he netted 15 goals and registered seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. He has started the new Copa Libertadores campaign well, assisting in Gremio’s 2-0 win over CD America earlier this week.

The winger shot to fame last summer with a starring role in Brazil’s run to Copa America glory. He scored thrice and provided two assists in four starts to help his country win the title. With Everton having hit the ground running in the new campaign, Newcastle United must rekindle their interest in the player during the summer transfer window.

Gremio forward Everton Soares celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)
Gremio forward Everton Soares celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Scoring goals has been a big problem for the Magpies this term. They have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, failing to get goals from their forward players. The club broke their transfer record last summer by signing Joelinton from Hoffenheim but he has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of the St. James’ Park faithful, netting only once in 29 league games.

Plus, Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto are yet to contribute a league goal this term. Gayle has never proven himself to be a reliable striker in the Premier League, while Carroll has struggled with injuries.

Newcastle did make loan signings during the January transfer window, adding the likes of Nabil Bentaleb, Valentino Lazaro and Danny Rose to the squad. In addition to the trio, manager Steve Bruce should’ve added a goalscorer to help Joelinton up front.

However, Bruce cannot afford to rely on the attacking options at his disposal next season and should prioritise signing a forward this summer. To that end, Everton Soares would be a good fit for the Magpies.

Matty Longstaff (R) and Andy Carroll (L) on the left celebrate. (Getty Images)
Matty Longstaff (R) and Andy Carroll (L) on the left celebrate. (Getty Images)

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A left-winger by trade, Everton is also adept playing on the right or through the middle. Such versatility would certainly come handy for Bruce, who can use him in different formations accordingly.

He has been a consistent goalscorer for Gremio over the last few seasons, with the forward bagging 69 goals in 268 appearances so far for the Brazilian club. Still only 23, Everton has a bright future ahead of him if he can secure a move to Europe in the near future.

Verdict

The Brazilian would bring quality to Bruce’s attack, whilst adding depth to the squad. Everton has proven himself in Brazil and is at the right age to make the jump to the Premier League. All in all, the Magpies should definitely attempt to sign him from Gremio. With some patience and proper coaching, he could become an asset for the first-team squad.