Three Left-backs Who Benitez Can Target In January
The January window is hardly 2 months away and it seems fitting that managers are drawing up lists of potential targets. As far as Newcastle United are concerned, they did fairly well over the summer and they are currently sitting 9th in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez’s men certainly exceeded expectations but if they are to maintain the momentum, they will need reinforcements in January.
A problem area for them continues to be that of the left-back’s. The fitness struggles of Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara have depleted the forces and even though Javi Manquillo and Chancel Mbemba have deputised in the left-back role, the Magpies will look to bring in a natural left-back to add more depth, while also providing competition for Dummett once he returns from injury.
The potential take over is yet to happen and that will give Benitez a clearer picture of how much funds he will have at his disposal, which will make the decision easier. Nevertheless, here are 3 left-backs who Newcastle can target to in January.
Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Shaw might not seem like the best option given his situation at Manchester United but one must note that he is doing quite well for the U23s after recovering from the dreadful injury he sustained last year. He has failed to break into the first-team under Jose Mourinho so far, and it does seem like the 22-year-old has no future at Old Trafford.
Hence, Mourinho could look to offload him in January and that would be an ideal time for Newcastle to sign him. He is still very young and just needs a nudge in the right direction to regain his confidence. Under Benitez, Shaw will certainly improve once he starts playing regularly. That is what he needs in order to rebuild his career and that will not be possible with the Red Devils, making Newcastle seem like a better destination.
Matt Targett – Southampton
Newcastle were linked to a loan deal for him over the summer but the move did not go through. Now, it does seem like Southampton should have just let him leave at that point. The Magpies are yet to identify a quality left-back while Targett has not made a single appearance for the Saints so far.
Targett is behind Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen in the pecking order and it does seem unnecessary to keep a promising youngster away from first-team action. He will certainly get to play a more important role at Newcastle and perhaps the Saints should agree to a deal once January rolls around.
Antonio Barreca – Torino
Barreca was aggressively linked to a move to join Tottenham Hotspur over the summer but the North London club decided to sign Serge Aurier instead. Over the last two seasons, Barecca has managed to cement his position as the club’s first-choice left-back and he has been defensively solid on almost every occasion.
However, he has appeared only 4 times so far due to an injury but his potential is undeniable. He was in splendid form last season, and he will have better scope to develop at Newcastle. Moreover, Barecca is quite young and has a lot of footballing years ahead of him, making it an opportune moment for Benitez to consider a move.