Why Newcastle must go all out for Galatasaray forward Ryan Babel

According to Eurosport’s Manu Lonjon (h/t Express), Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Ajax have expressed an interest in Galatasaray forward Ryan Babel.

The 33-year-old joined the Lions on a three-year deal last summer. The Dutchman has five goals and one assist in 15 appearances for Galatasaray in all competitions this term.

However, Ryan Babel is looking to leave Galatasaray in the January transfer window as he’s unhappy at the club due to an ongoing pay dispute, the report adds.

With Babel keen to leave the Istanbul-based club this month, Newcastle United must do everything possible to win the race for his signature.

Steve Bruce’s Newcastle have an injury crisis at the moment with more than 10 players out of action. They have been short of options over the past few weeks, with a number of key first-team players out injured. A couple of players could make a return against Wolves this weekend, however, Bruce needs to reinforce his squad for the second half of the campaign.

Only Watford and Crystal Palace have scored fewer goals than Newcastle through 21 Premier League games with the likes of Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Miguel Almiron struggling to find the back of the net.

Joelinton has been a massive disappointment since arriving at the club on a club-record deal from Hoffenheim before the start of 2019/20 campaign. The Brazilian has scored just once for the Magpies and he endured an absolute nightmare against Rochdale on Saturday.

With Carroll’s workload having to be managed carefully due to his persistent injury problems and Dwight Gayle seemingly not in Bruce’s plans, the Magpies must provide Joelinton with more support up front. And someone in the ilk of Ryan Babel would be ideal.

Babel joined Fulham on a short-term loan for the second half of last season where he made an impressive impact with 5 goals in 16 games, but he was unable to keep the Cottagers from getting relegated.

The Netherlands international is a versatile forward who can play in different positions across the front-line. He is a livewire in and around the opposition’s penalty box, can link up the play and act as a focal point for his team.

Despite losing a yard of pace from his game over the past couple of seasons, the 33-year-old is still an unforgiving presence in the final third due to his prolific nature in front of the goal.

He can score all types of goals and can also pick out a defence-splitting pass in the final third. Babel is known as a hard-worker off the ball and he often initiates the press for his side from the top.

In the video below, one could get a glimpse of the Dutchman’s ability to stretch defences and score goals from inside the box.

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Verdict

Tricky, experienced and versatile, Babel would be an excellent short-term signing if Newcastle manage to strike a deal this month.