Newcastle United Opinion: Why the Magpies should sign Joao Mario?
According to Italian outlet Inter Live, Inter Milan have offered midfielder Joao Mario to Newcastle United.
The Portuguese, 26, has already had one spell in England with West Ham United, but the loan deal did not work out and he ended up returning to the San Siro ahead of schedule.
Since returning to Inter Milan, he has been on the fringes and it seems as though manager Luciano Spalletti wants to get rid of the midfielder. He managed just 22 appearances throughout 2018-19.
The report claims Everton declined the opportunity to sign Joao Mario, who was expelled by Spalletti from a training session last week due to a lack of commitment. Despite having played very less this past season, the midfielder will not come cheap, as Inter are looking for a fee in the region of £18 million.
Newcastle United are yet to sort out the future of manager Rafael Benitez, but if the Spaniard does stay he will be keen to bring in reinforcements over the summer to help the Magpies climb up the table next season.
Benitez’s team finished 13th on the Premier League table but with smart recruitment, they definitely can challenge for a top half finish next term.
One of the important areas for Benitez will be to address his midfield, with a lot of departures expected to take place in this transfer window. Sean Longstaff has been a surprise target for Manchester United, with the Metro claiming the Red Devils will submit a bid for the young midfielder in the next two days.
Isaac Hayden wants to leave the club this summer to be closer to his family, while Jonjo Shelvey is linked with a move to West Ham.
With futures of some midfielders in doubt, Benitez must definitely go all out on Joao Mario.
Mario would be an excellent addition to a Magpies side that is somewhat lacking bite and flair. Miguel Almiron is still getting to grips with the Premier League and while Ayoze Perez stepped up in the second half of the past season, signing Mario can help the Toon Army achieve their goals next season.
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A skilful and excellent operator in the middle of the park, the Portugal international would add some extra creativity to Newcastle’s attack, which was entirely dependent on Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez in the 2018/19.
The former Sporting Lisbon star’s versatility may be hugely appealing, and Benitez may feel that this bargain price is a golden chance to get in a player that has the ability to create something out of nothing.
Verdict
Thus, Mario would be an incredible signing for Newcastle if Benitez can pull off a deal.
