Why Newcastle signing Ross Barkley would be a step in the right direction
According to a report from the Telegraph, Newcastle United would be targeting a summer swoop for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley if Rafael Benitez returns as manager following the club’s touted takeover.
The Magpies are primed for a £300m takeover by a Saudi Arabia backed consortium, with the deal likely to be ratified this week. And Benitez is one among a number of managerial candidates linked with a move to the club. And should he return, he is keen on signing Barkley. (h/t Telegraph)
Barkley is a product of the Everton youth academy. The Englishman had a couple of loan spells away at Sheffield United and Leeds United before becoming a first-team regular with the Toffees. The 26-year-old went on to make 179 appearances for Everton, scoring 27 goals and assisting 28, before Chelsea signed him in 2018.
Since joining the Blues, the midfielder has racked up 72 appearances, producing a return of 8 goals and 10 assists in the process.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, have had an average campaign so far. Under new boss Steve Bruce, the Magpies have done just enough to stay away from the relegation dogfight. At the time football was suspended, they were in 13th place in the Premier League table, with 35 points from 29 matches.
Newcastle in need of urgent reinforcements
Judging by their middling performances, it goes without saying that Newcastle are in need of adding more quality to their squad. Attack and midfield should be their top priorities heading into the summer.
In the middle of the park, nobody apart from Jonjo Shelvey has the quality to make a difference in the attacking half of the pitch. The Englishman has chipped in with five goals in just 17 league games this term. Isaac Hayden is a defensive-minded midfielder.
And while the Longstaff brothers – Sean and Matty have managed four goals amongst themselves, they too tend to operate in defensive roles in the middle. Furthermore, Matty Longstaff’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with a transfer to Everton mooted. Hence, it becomes imperative for Newcastle to add another attack-minded central midfielder.
And Ross Barkley, to that end, would be a handy option. The Englishman has been playing in the Premier League for almost ten years now, making close to 200 appearances and has accumulated a wealth of experience. Furthermore, at 26, he has his peak years still ahead of him.
Barkley has endured an injury-riddled 2019/20 campaign, but was in fine form prior to the season suspension. In 20 appearances across all competitions, he has contributed with three goals and four assists.
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This kind of attacking contributions from the centre is something that Newcastle lack at the moment. And signing Barkley would address that. In addition, the England international’s arrival would also boost the overall depth and quality in the squad, enabling them to better their performances in the coming seasons.
Verdict
Newcastle United are lacking enough quality and attacking threat from the centre of the park. And signing Barkley would very much address that issue. Irrespective of whether Benitez returns or not, a move for the former Evertonian would be a step in the right direction for the Tyneside outfit.
