adminNewcastle United fans would have been very worried coming into this weekend. The club had lost three of their best players in the transfer window.
Long-time manager Eddie Howe left in the middle of pre-season as well. He was replaced by Matthias Jaissle, who had never managed in one of Europe’s top five leagues before taking charge of Newcastle.
Also, with the lack of quality signings in the summer transfer window, many were tipping Newcastle United to be potential relegation contenders.
The opening-day performance and result, a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, should have settled a lot of those nerves. There is a positive update regarding transfers as well. It looks like a move could happen early this week, with the close of the transfer window not far away.
Newcastle United close to agreeing deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United made significant progress in talks to sign Nico Gonzalez last night. An agreement is almost done with Manchester City, while conversations are ongoing with the player’s side to get the deal completed early this week.
Real Madrid were also said to be in contact with the player and Manchester City over a potential move. However, the La Masia product reportedly prefers to remain in the Premier League, which could give Newcastle United an advantage in the deal.
Of course, Newcastle United exceeded all expectations at the weekend. They were very unlucky not to get a win against Liverpool, who were awarded a penalty deep into added time.
That being said, one performance cannot distract us from the fact that Newcastle United still need a lot of work. Their midfield, in particular, is in need of reinforcements.
So, it is easy to understand why the club want to bring in someone like Gonzalez. He might not be a nailed-on starter for Manchester City, but he feels like the sort of player who would walk straight into Newcastle United’s starting XI.
Manchester City have been very open to letting players leave this summer. That has included players who are not playing much of a role in the team, as well as those who are considered central figures.
Gonzalez would probably fall somewhere between those two categories. Reports suggest that Manchester City are willing to let him leave for the right offer.
What is that offer? Well, suggestions are that Manchester City are looking to recoup the £52 million fee they paid to sign Gonzalez from FC Porto last year.
That figure should not be a problem for Newcastle United, who have raised close to £250 million through the departures of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. So, do not be surprised to see this deal become official at some point.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
