Why Newcastle reigniting interest in Mason Holgate would be ideal
Back in December 2019, a report from The Sun had mentioned Newcastle United among the potential suitors for Everton defender Mason Holgate ahead of last season’s January window. Holgate was out-of-favour at Goodison Park at that time and it was even claimed that he could depart the club for a fee in the region of £14million.
Sheffield United and Bournemouth were also understood to be interested in the former Barnsley man but he ended up staying put at Everton. Holgate assumed a key role for the Toffees during the second half of the previous campaign following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong finish to the 2019-20 campaign, having started 24 games in the Premier League last term. Those numbers marked his highest involvement in a single top-flight season for the Toffees, who signed the versatile defender from League One side Barnsley back in 2013.
Holgate missed a few games after picking up an injury earlier in the ongoing campaign but has featured regularly in recent weeks following his recovery. The former England youth international has started 5 league fixtures for Everton so far this term, operating both as a centre-back and right-back.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have had a decent start to the season, with 18 points accumulated from 14 games so far. With plenty of crunch fixtures set to follow in the coming months, a good run of results could see the Magpies climb further up the standings.
Newcastle have enough room for improvement at both ends of the pitch, however. The Magpies have managed just 17 goals while conceding 24 in the process. With Callum Wilson scoring 8 of those goals, seeking some additional firepower in January would certainly make sense. Bruce, though, should also have one eye on defensive reinforcements, given his side’s struggles in stemming the inflow of goals.
The acquisition of Jamal Lewis in the summer has added some real depth and quality at left-back. But Newcastle still have some pressing concerns in the centre-back department, with the futures of several players up in the air.
Fabian Schar, Federico Fernandez and Ciaran Clark are all out of contract in the summer. With the latter two already 31, the Magpies would be served well by looking for some younger alternatives in the market.
Putting things into context, Mason Holgate ticks plenty of boxes at St. James’ Park. The Everton star hasn’t always been a regular starter at the back for Everton but remains a talented individual with plenty of promise.
He’s equally adept at playing in centre-back and right-back roles, which should further prompt Newcastle to reignite their interest in the 24-year-old.
With DeAndre Yedlin out of favour and Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo both playing a bit-part role, Holgate’s versatility to play on the right could make him a real asset for Newcastle.
However, with so many ageing centre-backs out of contract next summer, the Magpies would be better off looking at him as a specialist option in that department.
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Verdict
The situation of Mason Holgate at Everton has changed since the last time he was linked with Newcastle. He is very much a key squad player at Goodison Park under Ancelotti, meaning the Magpies will need to work hard on a deal to secure his services if they were to consider the versatile star.
Having said that, however, he still potentially has his best years ahead of him at 24. Newcastle splashing the cash on Holgate would represent an excellent long-term acquisition.
