As they continue to do everything within their power to win the Championship title and subsequently gain instant promotion back to the top-flight, Newcastle are getting linked with transfer targets in the winter window, though they are yet to make a single signing.
Current reports however suggest they are very close to penning down their first January deal, with Swansea’s Modou Barrow inching near a switch to the Saint James’ Park as both clubs enter advanced talks as per landing the 24-year-old on a loan deal for the remainder of the season, and by all indications, a contract could be agreed upon in the coming days.
Getting Barrow could be a huge signing for Newcastle as they plan to beat off stiff competition from Brighton for the division’s top prize as he has all the attributes to be a good fit and addition to the squad. He has played at the highest level of Swedish and English football, hence the experiences needed to excel in the Championship are there.
Competition for playing time on the wings at the Liberty Stadium is now higher than ever since the new club’s manager signed Luciano Narsingh, and with the likes of Nathan Dyer, Jefferson Montero, Wayne Routledge and Marvin Emnes are also all ahead of him in the pecking order, seeking greener pastures is definitely Barrow’s best move now, and there is no doubt he wouldn’t hesitate to join Newcastle in a deal that would be beneficial for all parties.
The standout strengths of the Gambia international are his pace and physical strength, and while he is still rough around the edges considering his lack of finesse ball control and first touch, Rafa Benitez could very much help him improve on those fronts and make him a more lethargic and impactful forward.
Ritchie, Atsu and Gouffran are Newcastle’s first team wingers, but only the Scottish winger has been the most consistent, with the other 2 not always performing up to the expected standards. Barrow too doesn’t, but as highlighted against Arsenal, his pace, if used well, could be an attacking weapon that gives defenders constant nightmares as he sends crosses after crosses into the box and creates chances for the strikers.
It is a quality that would come handy as the player provides depth and competition for the current crop of Newcastle wingers. Benitez has forgone the pursuit of Andros Townsend as he is now set to go all out to secure Barrow’s services instead, and with both wingers sharing similar qualities, the Spanish boss is convinced the Gambian can do an identical job to his English counterpart, and he sure has all it takes to fit in perfectly into the squad.
Barrow could be the summer signing before the summer as Newcastle prepare for life in the English Premier League again, and both player and club can gain a lot from one another in the coming months and perhaps seasons if a permanent deal is struck after his loan term. Definitely, a deal to look forward to.
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