Two missed targets Newcastle United must sign in January
Newcastle United’s start to the current Premier League season hasn’t been overwhelming. The Magpies have only managed a single point from their first four games. One might argue that Newcastle have been dealt a tough hand with the fixtures, considering they had to face the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea early in the campaign. However, Rafael Benitez has ensured that his team did not face any humiliation at the hands of the big guns.
The Tyneside outfit showed plenty of character and resilience in their defeats to Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City. While they never looked like they were going to win those games, they did whatever they could to rescue a point. However, the Magpies should have made more out of the game against Cardiff City, where they were held to a 0-0 draw.
Benitez did not have ample financial resources to bring in too many reinforcements in the summer. However, he still managed to secure the services of Martin Dubravka, Kenedy, Ki Sung-yueng, Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez, Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon.
However, given their lacklustre beginning to the season, Newcastle should bolster their attacking options. Here are two missed targets they must sign in January.
1. Garry Rodrigues
According to Chronicle Live, the Dutch-born Cape Verde international was linked with a move to St. James’s Park in the summer but the deal fell through due to a lack of funds.
The 27-year-old speed machine has the experience of playing for a number of clubs across different European leagues. However, he currently plies his trade with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Primarily a right-winger by trade, Rodrigues also has the ability to play on either side of the field. A quick and agile player, Rodrigues has a few tricks up his sleeve to outfox opposition defenders along the flanks. He can also set up goals for the target man with his vision, allowing him to play through balls with precision.
Newcastle already have Kennedy and Matt Ritchie but Rodrigues should be a healthy addition to bolster their attacking options.
2. Andros Townsend
Newcastle sold the English international to Crystal Palace in 2016 but according to Chronicle Live, Rafael Benitez wanted to bring the winger back to St. James’s Park in the summer transfer window. However, Newcastle lacked the financial resources to meet Palace’s demands.
The 27-year-old Englishman was in tremendous form for Palace last season and he finished the season with 2 goals and 7 assists. A fast and agile winger, the former Tottenham Hotspur man is capable of impacting the final third with his pace, crossing and finishing.
He is one of Crystal Palace’s stars and Newcastle must make a big offer to secure his services.
