To aid their promotion quest, Newcastle have plans to re-sign one of their former players Andros Townsend, according to reports. The 25-year-old England international winger left for the Selhurst Park last transfer window for £13million, citing a need for Premier League football as his major reason for the move.
The former Tottenham player is yet to firmly establish himself within Palace’s ranks, and could see himself dropping down with the club to the Championship at the end of an underwhelming campaign – the same thing he avoided, hence his Saint James’ Park exit in the first place.
But with Newcastle edging closer to a topflight return, Benitez wants Townsend back, and it could be a good deal for a few reasons. For starters, the winger never wanted to leave the Magpies having spent just half of a season upon arriving from the White Hart Lane January last year.
But just like Sissoko, Wijnaldum and few others who left following their relegation, he weighed his options and didn’t hesitate to remain in the topflight in order to save his steadily-growing career which saw him make the Three Lions standby squad for Euros 2016.
However, things haven’t gone according to the book for Townsend at Palace. Despite starting 17 Premier League games in 20 appearances, Townsend has completed just 7 games, scored and assisted once as the Eagles continue to stare at relegation, with just goal difference currently keeping them off the zone.
His drop in form can be revived by the same man who brought out the very best in him as Newcastle pushed for safety last season. In 13 Premier League appearances, Townsend scored 4 goals and assisted 2, and while jumping the ship as soon as the club went down still doesn’t go well with a lot of Toons faithful, his quality could be a much-needed addition for not only returning the club to the top flight, but ensuring they remain and challenge for the top spots.
Having failed to help them with that the last time, a mission that was beyond his powers having arrived at a time the club was already doomed for the drop, a return to Saint James’ provides him the opportunity for a new, albeit similar challenge, and more importantly for him to right his wrong with the begrudged section of the fan base.
Having played at 5 different Championship sides while cutting his teeth on loans during his Tottenham days, this hardworking winger knows a thing or two about life in the second-tier, and coupled with his Premier League experience, he would definitely be a good addition to the squad.
It’s a win-win for both parties, and Newcastle can sure do with a quality player on their flanks as they make a return to the top flight, with Atsu and Gouffran largely unimpressive of recent.
Townsend’s long shots, dribbles and tireless defensive contributions are traits Newcastle already know about, and they have remained intact in the last 6 months. These would come handy from a player who won’t hesitate to return to the club, and his return would very likely be a very good deal this time around.