Three Reasons Why Newcastle United Should Go All Out For Cedric Bakambu
Newcastle United have had to endure a very difficult close season so far. Having won the EFL Championship title last season, it was expected that the club would go all out and strengthen the squad ahead of their return to the Premier League, but it hasn’t exactly gone according to plans.
The Magpies have just finished one transfer so far, with Christian Atsu making his move from Chelsea a permanent one. But they haven’t been able to close down on deals and as a result have lost several key targets, most notably Tammy Abraham.
Manager Rafael Benitez is in the market for a new striker and it seems like the Spaniard is turning to his homeland for solutions as the Mirror reports that Newcastle are keen on getting a deal done for Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu.
However, that could require the Tynesiders breaking their club-record for a transfer fee which stands at £16.8million paid for Michael Owen, as it has been reported that West Ham United have already had a bid of £22million rejected by the Yellow Submarine (Mirror).
And here are three reasons why Newcastle should be willing to break the record for the 26-year old forward:
Goals
Bakambu has been a strong performer for Villarreal since joining in the summer of 2015 from Bursaspor. The DR Congo striker had an explosive start to life in Spain as he finished his first season with his new club with an excellent tally of 22 goals from 50 games in all competitions – that included 9 from 12 games in the Europa League as well.
He did not have that good a campaign last time around, as he missed several games at the start of the season due to injury. He ended up with returns of 11 goals and 2 assists from 34 games in all competitions. However, that shouldn’t discourage Newcastle from going all out for the striker.
Bakambu has serious pace and possesses great physical strength which makes him a great danger and with his ability to score all types of goals, he will be an excellent addition.
Upgrade On The Current Options
Newcastle have the likes of Dwight Gayle, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Daryl Murphy in their ranks at the moment. While Gayle had an excellent debut season for the Tynesiders, finishing as the second highest goal-getter in the second division, his Premier League record with his former club Crystal Palace flatters to deceive. Mitrovic, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to live up to the huge potential that he possessed and may find himself shown the exit doors and Murphy is too old to be a first-choice week in week out.
Bakambu, without a question, will be a huge upgrade on all the three options that Benitez has at his disposal now and comes in with experience in La Liga and Europe, which will benefit the club greatly.
Statement of Intent
Newcastle are back in the Premier League on the back of a strong season in the Championship. But that will count to nothing now as the top flight is a totally different ball game. And for them to put up a strong fight on their return, they will need more quality in their ranks.
Bakambu fits the bill perfectly, as he will get them goals in numbers and at 26, still has a long way to go in his career. With the likes of West Ham also interested in his services, the capture of the DR Congo international will no doubt be a huge statement of intent from the club.