Why Newcastle should go all out to sign Cedric Bakambu in January

Back in July 2017, the Chronicle had claimed that Newcastle United were interested in signing Cedric Bakaumbu, who was then playing for Villarreal.

Cedric Bakambu, 28, joined BJ Sinobo Guoan from Villarreal in January 2018 and has been a smash hit in the Chinese Super League. He has been a prolific goalscorer for Sinobo Guoan, although he has played just 11 league games this season.

As the Congolese has just over two years left on his contract with Sinobo Guoan, Newcastle must reignite their interest and test the Chinese club’s resolve with an audacious bid for the striker in January.

Newcastle have not had an ideal start to the new Premier League campaign and find themselves in 17^th position, just a point above the relegation zone. Scoring goals has been a mighty problem for the Magpies, despite Steve Bruce persuading the club to break their transfer record by signing Joelinton from Hoffenheim.

Joelinton has shown glimpses of his potential in the Premier League but he needs his fellow forwards to provide him with more service in the box. Call it the forwards being poor in front of the goal or Bruce’s ultra-defensive tactics, Newcastle have simply failed to produce the goals and rightly lie just above the drop zone.

Truly, the Magpies cannot expect Andy Carroll to start firing all cylinders after returning to full fitness. Carroll has been blighted with injuries over the last few years that has seen him enjoy limited game time.

Bruce simply cannot expect bigger things from the ex-England international and must sign a new striker in January to realistically compete with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron.

Blessed with speed, power and clinical finishing in one-on-one situations, Cedric Bakambu would be a good fit at St. James’ Park. He is one of the most feared marksmen in the Chinese Super League and would certainly give Newcastle something different in attack.

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The Congolese excels with his ability to make quick and subtle runs behind the backline, links up with his teammates well and looks to wreak havoc with his pace during counter-attacks.

Plus, the former Villarreal and Bursaspor man has a penchant for scoring goals from outside the box. His arrival at Newcastle would be a timely statement of intent, with frustrations mounting following the arrival of Bruce.

Verdict

Bakambu has all the attributes to help the Magpies hit greater heights in the Premier League this term. Thus, if Newcastle do have a chance of snapping up the DR Congo international in January then they shouldn’t think twice.