Reports suggest that Newcastle United could benefit from Alexander Isak’s departure, despite ongoing speculation about his future at the club.
Newcastle Transfer News
The Magpies have reportedly agreed to recruit Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer after his contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of the season. The versatile defender adds depth to Eddie Howe’s defence and can fill in for Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman, who are currently injured.
Tosin Adarabioyo may join the free transfer list for St James’ Park, according to recent rumours. The Fulham defender could join Kelly to kick off Newcastle’s summer transfer window in the greatest conceivable way. PIF’s desire to avoid consistent top-four failure in the Premier League is evident thus far. However, not all of the news is good.
Barcelona is reportedly interested in signing Isak, which could result in the transfer of Andreas Christensen to Newcastle for a fee. Adding Christensen would improve Howe’s backline, but losing Isak would be a significant loss.
The Swedish forward, nominated for Premier League Player of the Season, is irreplaceable and retaining him is more important than bringing in a new player like Christensen.
If the Magpies can find a method to get the Barcelona defender without Isak’s involvement, they should pursue the deal in the coming months.
“Fantastic” Christensen would be major upgrade on Lascelles
Signing Christensen might suddenly leave Newcastle with three quality centre-back options, with perhaps one more required to properly cover for any future injury worries. The acquisition of the Dane may also put a stop to any reliance on Lascelles, who is a step down from Fabian Schar and Botman in terms of talent and may not return to his best form following an ACL injury.
League stats 23/24 (via FBref)
Andreas Christensen
Jamaal Lascelles
Progressive Carries
23
8
Progressive Passes
107
31
Tackles Won
14
9
Ball Recoveries
96
53
Christensen, a former Chelsea player, was particularly impressive under Antonio Conte, who reportedly told Sky Sports that he was enjoying a tremendous season and displaying great maturity. His performance was excellent. I trust Christensen. I believe this player is both the present and the future of Chelsea. He can even become the team’s captain.”
After a mixed experience at Barcelona, the Dane might now return to the Premier League through Newcastle, who will need to negotiate conditions to meet his stated weekly pay of £173k.
Leave a Reply