Why signing Andre Schurrle would be a statement of intent from Newcastle United
Rumours have surfaced recently that former Chelsea hitman Andre Schurrle may be a target for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle as they look to bolster their distinctly average attacking options. The Borussia Dortmund player has fallen down the pecking order in the last few months, having only made 6 appearances for the German club with just 2 starts.
Dortmund appear to be willing to let him go on an 18-month loan deal with Newcastle agreeing to pay half his wages, which would mean Mike Ashley would have to fork out a reported £75,000-a-week. The Newcastle fans are desperate to get in a player of real quality and signing a World Cup winner like Andre Schurrle could be the answer to their prayers.
Andre Schurrle is an exciting attacking player who clearly suits the style of Borussia Dortmund. However, he has been unable to move ahead of the many attacking talents that Dortmund have. Players such as Yarmelenko and Jadon Sancho have managed to move ahead of him in the pecking order.
There are even signs that he has already reached his peak at the age of 27, and will only slow down from where he is now, which would be terrible news for a player whose game is built on pace and trickery.
The situation at Newcastle is the polar opposite to that of Dortmund. They are currently crying out for creative players who can make a difference in the Premier League. It is a credit to Rafa Benitez that they are currently as high as they are in the league because the squad is full of Championship players.
The latest breakdown in a takeover bid by Amanda Staveley has also highlighted the tightness of the purse strings at St. James’ Park. Therefore, a loan deal for a player of the calibre of Schurrle would be a very good deal for the Tyneside club.
There has also been an interest in the same player from Stoke, who are also struggling to balance their side, and this may put Rafa in direct competition with Paul Lambert. They would both have to convince the player that their project would be the best for the player’s development, and perhaps this is where the Newcastle manager will have the upper hand.
Schurrle is clearly head and shoulders ahead of the players at Newcastle. Schurrle’s previous success at Wolfsburg may indicate it is time for him to become a big fish in a small pond once again.