It has been a fantastic start to the Premier League season at St. James Park as we sit fourth on 21 points after 12 games.
With the World Cup on the horizon and January just around the corner, the owners will be looking to invest again in January in order to consolidate our League position and potentially push towards European qualification.
In this piece, I will look at three players I’d love to see us sign in January. Without further ado, let’s dive straight into player number one.
1 – James Maddison (Leicester City)
After failing with our initial attempt to prize James Maddison from Leicester City in the summer, it’s hoped we’ll make a fresh push to bring the creative midfielder to St. James Park this January. Maddison has been a shining light for an otherwise poor Leicester City side this season. His creativity, goalscoring threat and outstanding quality could prove to be the difference between us finishing in, or outside of the European positions. With six goals and two assists already this season for a pretty poor Leicester City side, it is apparent that Maddison could give our side a completely different outlet in the final third.
Maddison also averages two key passes a game (Who Scored) which highlights his creative capabilities. Often deployed in a free roam position from the right hand side for Leicester, he’s dangerous cutting inside on his adept left (albeit weaker) foot, ranks in the top 95 percentile for xG in midfielders and in the top 89th percentile for xA, which are pretty remarkably figures.
Valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, it will take a sizeable sum for Leicester to part with Maddison, although his contract does expire in summer 2024, which may force their hand. His unwillingness to sign another deal is also a telltale sign that he may be looking to manufacturer a move from the football club. I for one would love to see Maddison in the famous black and white, he could be the difference between a European place come the end of the season.
2 – Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)
It is easy to forget about Mikel Merino, the man who arrived at Tyneside as a 21 year old in 2017 and started fantastically. It seemed to tail off when competition for places increased and Merino left a year later in 2018 to join Real Sociadad.
Since his move away from St. James, Merino’s rise has been astonishing. His market value (TransferMarkt) has increased 80% since leaving the Magpies and now stands at £45m. A cultured Spanish midfielder with elegant ball-playing abilities and wonderful composer, Merino is knocking on the door of some of the best deep-lying midfielders in world football.
A player that ranks in the top 94th percentile of through balls completed, it is clear that Merino’s play style is based around creating chances from deep for his teammates. Similarly however, Merino is also adept in offering protection to his back four. Merino ranks in the top 80th percentile of all the following metrics: blocks, shots blocked, passes blocked and clearances.
The Spaniard could be the exact player that we need in order to release Bruno Guimaraes further up the pitch where he is most effective. Interestingly, Merino admitted most recently in an interview that he “felt at home there (Newcastle), and I’m not lying when I say that”. Merino also mentioned the famous St. James Park atmosphere, getting “goosebumps” every time he thinks about it.
I think it would only be the right thing to bring Mikel home to Tyneside and rekindle his love affair for the city and the club, bagging ourselves a world-class midfielder in the process. Merino would make an instance impact on the whole club, fitting in perfectly as the ‘sitter’ in our midfield three. Hopefully a reunion with Alexander Isak also appeals; a player he operated alongside at Real Sociedad.
3 – Leandro Trossard (Brighton)
Another name linked with Newcastle over the last few weeks has been Belgian star. An exciting left sided player with fantastic technique could be welcome addition to our squad, especially with competition for places so important in the second half of the season and beyond.
Trossard has been Brighton’s talisman this season, scoring six goals and supplying one assist. Ranking in the top 97th percentile of midfielders in regards to non-penalty goals, top 97th percentile off touches in the opposition penalty area, Trossard could add some welcome competition to our front line, giving us another option when Allan Saint-Maximin is missing.
Additionally, he appears extremely receptive to good coaching, clearly improving under the guidance of Graham Potter’s wonderful spell at Brighton. Moreover, Howe is likely to approve the signing of Trossard to due his willingness to chip in with defensive duties also, as he ranks in the top 95th percentile (midfielders) for interceptions and top 91st percentile for blocks. This displays Trossard’s willingness to ‘chip in’ for his team when required.
The former Genk star has been deployed as a left wing back in a five at the back system for Brighton and can play in a host of attacking roles. With Trossard’s current deal expiring in Summer 2023, the recruitment team at St. James Park may capitalise and move for January. Transmarkt value Trossard at £22.5m, however with the players reluctance to sign a new deal and Ashworth’s history with Brighton – could a deal be struck for cheaper?
Oliver Wilson – @nufcollie97
