NUFC linked with unlikely move for in-form striker – he has 4 goals in 6 Champions League games

Rafa Benitez is eyeing a move for on-loan Basel striker Dimitri Oberlin in a bid to bolster his attacking options at NUFC according to The Sun today.

The 20-year-old striker is on loan at Basel this season, however it’s been claimed that he could move elsewhere from parent club Red Bull Salzburg  in January – with The Sun stating Benitez is in ‘pole position’ to bring him to Tyneside.

The Cameroonian attacker has 4 goals in six Champions League appearances for Basel this season and possesses frightening pace, but this one looks so unlikely to me on several levels.

Here’s why:

  • Aside from his impressive form in the Champions League, he only has 3 goals in 14 appearances in the Swiss League this season.
  • He’s just 20. Merino and Lascelles have proven that age doesn’t tend to matter, but we’re in dire need of experience and proven players. Despite his promise, he is neither.
  • He’s currently on-loan at Basel. Whilst loan deals can be cut short if better options arise for him and/or his parent club, it’s not usually how things work.
  • The story claims he’s valued at £20m. If NUFC had that money to throw around next month (which seems unlikely) we’d sooner be looking at someone like Cenk Tosun than an unproven 20-year-old?
  • It’s The Sun..

You get the picture. He’s looked a talent when I’ve caught glimpses of the Champions League this season but I can’t see this one happening for a second.

Just incase this one has a tinge of truth to it, here’s him in action:

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *