If these new claims are true, this £10m deal is an absolute no-brainer for NUFC..
The Chronicle have ran a story today reiterating that Newcastle will have the chance to sign Jetro Willems for just £10m next summer.
If these claims are true, this should be an absolute no-brainer for Newcastle United based on his performances so far this season. He's been absolutely brilliant.
His first appearance saw him ball-watch, allowing Arsenal to nip in and score in a opening day defeat at St James' Park, but he's gone from strength to strength since that early blip.
Since then he's bagged one goal - which was a stunner on his 'weak foot' at Anfield - and three assists in all competitions. His quality and confidence on the ball has been a real asset, with him regular picking out passes from deep, linking up well down the left and turning out of trouble effortlessly, however he's been more solid than I expected him to be defensively too.
When he arrived from Frankfurt, two Bundesliga journalists (who we carried out Q&A's with following news of his loan move) warned that he was suspect defensively during his time in Germany, however we've seen very few frailties in that department so far.
It's fair to say he's a modern-day full-back who is more attack minded, but he's certainly not been a weak link defensively, with him keeping Andriy Yarmolenko quiet on Saturday in yet another polished display at both ends of the field.
He's benefited hugely from Matt Ritchie's ankle ligament injury at the back end of August, giving him extended run in the side at left wing-back, however the former Bournemouth man won't be returning anytime soon if Willems' recent form is anything to go by.
It's still early days and any permanent deal will no doubt be dependant on us staying up, but £10m for a 25-year-old wing-back who looks at home in the Premier League could be a brilliant piece of business.
After searching for natural left back for several years, have we finally found the one in long-term target Jetro Willems?
Let's hope so. The early signs are certainly very encouraging.
