Bournemouth’s latest £20m signing is yet another warning for NUFC – pay up or get left behind

Following the impressive arrivals of Jermaine Defoe and Asmir Begovic, Bournemouth have today smashed their transfer record after confirming the £20m signing of Chelsea’s Nathan Ake. Yet another statement of intent from our Premier League rivals and one that should come as a warning to Mike Ashley.

Whilst many will suggest that this is an extortionate fee to pay for a 22-year-old with limited Premier League experience, it confirms the pricey market Newcastle must now compete in, with former Premier League minnows Bournemouth looking more likely to compete in the top 10 than a relegation battle.

It is still early days for Newcastle. I expect July to be a busy month, but the signs are a little concerning thus far. Whilst we haggle over what appears to be a straightforward deal for Florian Lejeune, Bournemouth have signed a Premier League proven striker in Jermaine Defoe, a top-class goalkeeper in Asmir Begovic and one of the leagues most promising young talents in Nathan Ake.

Newcastle have been used to only involving themselves in deals in the region of £8-12m in recent years, but that must change this summer if Mike Ashley wishes to match Rafa Benitez’s ambition for the club.

Sometimes the value for money deal may make sense – £8.7M for Florian Lejeune could turn out to be better business than the £17m Leicester have spent on the previously linked Harry Maguire – but Newcastle can’t take too many risks this summer and must add some proven quality to their side this summer.

Time to wake up and get with the times or risk being left behind.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “Bournemouth’s latest £20m signing is yet another warning for NUFC – pay up or get left behind

  1. So much speculation since the season ended but don’t forget we already have several first team players with PL experience. Buying overrated expensive players is not the answer to PL success. Weve tried it before and failed. We need a long term strategy that combines the best of youth policy with development of our players, teamwork, team spirit and a never say die attitude. Rafa knows the secret of success and its not just spending money. Don’t be surprised if we start with a similar squad to 2 seasons ago but this time with a decent manager and coach in charge

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  2. Let’s not get carried away here Leicester won it with a team worth less than 100million as long as he gets new faces in give them a chance.

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