As Ashley continues to hold Newcastle back in the transfer market, it is becoming clear NUFC are seeking loan deals to scrimp on paying transfer fees. Rafa himself said we need to ‘wheel and deal’ and loan options could be the only way to sign some quality under the constant lack of ambition under the Ashley regime.
It has been reported this week that we remain reluctant to pay Rondon’s £16.5m asking price and also would rather loan Fernandez from Swansea than pay the measly fee of just £6m.
With the clear lack of investment what exciting loan options could Benitez look to explore?
1 – Origi – Liverpool
Not wanted on Merseyside and is likely to be sacrificed to raise funds after Klopp has splashed the cash this window. He got double figures in last two season at Liverpool despite limited game time and Rafa could unlock his potential and deal with old club seems very possible. Offers the flexibility to play centrally and wide too.
2 – Shaw – Man Utd
We need more options at left back with Dummett now our only one; Manquillo has looked poor when selected at right back never mind right back. Shaw needs a move and a spell at NUFC could revitalise his career in England after Manchester United have signed another full back in the form of Dalot from Porto.
3 – Klaasen – Everton
We need a number 10 and we could look to exploit the fact things have really not worked out for him at Everton so far. Was a top player for Ajax and Everton fans want to see him given a chance but might he loaned out with Sigurdsson being first choice and Richarlison on his way. If he signed, let’s hope it wouldn’t be a Siem De Jong mark II…
4 – Zinchenko – Manchester City
Can play either full back or centre midfield and will only improve. Pep used him a fair last season but he’s been linked with a move away this summer – and we’ve been credited with interest too. Excellent young player and would be a very handy signing.
5 – Perez – Arsenal
We were linked last summer and he could be the striker we plump for as a cheaper option to Rondon. Likely to be frozen out at the Emirates and Rafa is a big fan, would make sense on many levels. Performed well on loan at Deportivo despite their relegation too and can also play wide.
6 – Bolasie – Everton
Seems like he could leave Everton this summer. Has been linked with loan move to Fenerbahce but reports in the Mirror suggest he wants to stay in England. Rafa said he was ‘two or three’ attacking signings (not just a striker) and he’d be an exciting one. Not looked quite same since knee ligament injury but he’d be one worth taking a chance on if he could rediscover Palace form and an option if our interest in Townsend doesn’t lead to anything more concrete.
7 – Llorente – Tottenham
Was not even getting on Spurs’ bench towards end of season but is a handful on his day. Rafa will know the Spaniard well given his success in La Liga with Bilbao and he’s proven that he can do it in the Premier League having bagged 15 for Swansea during debut season in England the season before last. He’s a bit of a veteran at 33 but we lack experience and goal scorers. Lethal in the air too which might work well in our current 4-5-1 formation.
8 – Welbeck – Arsenal
Maybe not quite as exciting as some would like, but he’d be a definite upgrade on our current options and has a wealth of experience in the Premier League.
9 – Iwobi – Arsenal
Could have a very similar impact to Kenedy. Exciting player who needs to be playing each week and would add real pace on the flank to push Ritchie for his starting spot on the right. Emery will have his own plans since arriving at Arsenal so would be worth a conversation to see where Iwobi fits in before the 9th August deadline.
10 – Musa – Leicester
It’s not worked out for him at Leicester but he’s often shown glimpses of what he’s capable of – especially in a Nigeria shirt. He’s got pace to burn and is still only 25. Versatile too but is one of several Leicester forwards they probably need to move on; one of which being Slimani – who we know will not be returning!
While looking at loan deals it is worth noting you can’t loan more than one player from the same team, so despite lots of good options, Kenedy arriving means further loans from Chelsea are off the table this summer now.
What would be your thoughts on these potential ten players?
You can only loan a total of two players, so it’s a matter of which one of these is most likely and fits the need of the club the most. There are some great younger players who it would be great to have a buy clause on, but I think Shaw strengthens the entire back line and the left side of the pitch so much he has to be right up there despite not being a striker. Still, if Schar arrives the back is already strengthened, so the focus can return to NUFC’s main need, a striker. We could never afford Welbeck (100,000+/wk, no wonder Arsenal want rid), so, of these, I would select the affordable and much less risky than this time last year, Perez. Could happen, too, if we get him on loan (1M) and keep his wages under 30,000 (1.5M). 😕
Peter(Quote)