NUFC reporter George Caulkin has shared his ‘concern’ following the arrival of Fabian Schar and the imminent signing of Yoshinori Muto, questioning whether the pair will only actually improve the squad – and not Benitez’s starting 11.
Swiss centre-back Schar has now completed a £3m move to Newcastle, signing a three-year deal, whilst Muto’s move looks all set to go through after we agreed a £9.5m fee with Mainz.
It’s a positive breakthrough for Benitez, with two signings seeming a real bonus given his clear frustrations just a few days ago, but with Schar arriving as a third choice centre-back and Muto a striker who’s yet to get into double figures in Germany, Caulkin questions whether they will actually improve the first team.
Here’s what he’s had to say on Twitter:
“My *concern* (if that’s the right word), is that these signings might strengthen the squad but do they strengthen the team?
“And if so, by how much?
“That’s the problem when you bring in players down the list (and when other teams are definitely strengthening).”
My *concern* (if that’s the right word), is that these signings might strengthen the squad but do they strengthen the team? And if so, by how much? That’s the problem when you bring in players down the list (and when other teams are definitely strengthening).
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) July 26, 2018
Does he have a point?
I suspect yes. Although I maintain that these two are good signings for Newcastle United, I would question just how much they improve our first team.
A proven goalscorer and competition in the number 10 role is still needed for me.
Pessimism, pessimism, pessimism! Doom mongering reporters. First they tell us we are signing everyone from Neymar to Bobby Charlton, then when, eventually we do make a signing they pour cold water on it. Rafa knows what he is doing EVEN with a limited budget.
John W. Pattisin(Quote)
Rafa is doing his best to bring in some new faces, The only person to blame is M Ashley , by refusing to allow Rafa to bring in the players that he wants, so he has to go to the tat shop market that Ashley knows so well,pity he knows nowt about football, I have avery faith in Rafa to do his best for us, and I for one will wish him and his family all the very best when he leaves us at the end of his contract. PS, please Rafa leave your phone no with Amanda and tell her that you will come back when she takes over and the cheat and lier has gone to his burial place in the TAT shops. HWTL. 😈
MAG71 years(Quote)
I would not be so negative. Players can achieve high prices with just a couple of good seasons. Consistency of performance often underpriced, particularly for defenders (see Lejeune?) As for Muto, he kind of has it all, speed, passing, heading. The only question is mental toughness – but can anybody question the toughness of that Japan squad? I think he’s going to surprise.
Robert(Quote)
The value of these players will rise when Rafa has had them for a season. He buys players who can fit into the system he wants to play, which is built on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing core group of players. That’s why it’s ludicrous for so many commentators and fans to continually bang on about “Giving Mitro his chance”. He doesn’t fit in, Rafa won’t play him, and doesn’t want him. Let’s cash in and bring some extra quality in.
murvar(Quote)
Rafa rates Perez highly and wants to build around him, Mutu or Rondon fits that brief..
I still think Rafa will try and get Townsend back at the club before the end of the window.
I would go all out for Delph at Man City who would drag the team to the next level.
BillytheFish(Quote)
I think Shar will free up Clark for left back. Muto will be in competition with Perez gor number 10 role.
Christer Westerberg(Quote)
I really do think that we have to ignore pieces like this from Caustic George.
Our problem for years has always been superstars in the team and reserves in the squad. We’ve never had any depth.
Are these players coming in to walk into the first team? I doubt it.
Is Muto going to be better than Perez? It’s possible. Is he going to be better than Joselu? I certainly hope so.
But they’ll definitely give us better options off the bench.
As for going further down the list, as Caulkin puts it, There are a dozen other clubs in the Prem that might be more attractive to players than us. We’re not Man City, or Chelsea. We have to go down the list a bit.
How many times did we play last season when we were making no progress on the field and you looked at the bench and went “Oh Fu@k”? Absolutely nothing! We had Diame and Shelvey on the pitch and what, Hayden on the bench? Perez and Gayle on pitch with Joselu on the bench?
If these transfers mean we at least have options on the bench then they’re worth the money.
And you never know. If one of them turns out to be as influential as Dubravka or Kenedy last season…..
Briaaaaan(Quote)