Why Newcastle United must go all out to sign Jose Callejon from Napoli
Back in March 2011, the Daily Mail had claimed that Newcastle United were interested in signing Jose Callejon, who was then plying his trade for Espanyol. However, a deal didn’t materialize and he returned to Real Madrid in May 2011.
Jose Callejon, 32, joined Napoli in 2013 and has proven to be a brilliant servant for the club. In 22 appearances across all competitions this season, the former Spanish international has bagged a goal and five assists.
With Callejon in the final year of his contract at Napoli, Newcastle United must revive their interest in the forward and attempt to sign him this month.
Newcastle United are winless in their last four matches, including a recent 1-1 draw vs Wolves. Decimated by injuries over the last month, Steve Bruce’s side are struggling to get positive results.
Scoring goals has been a big problem for the Magpies this term, with record signing Joelinton managing just one goal in 22 appearances across all competitions since his move from Hoffenheim. He turned in yet another lacklustre performance last weekend in a draw against League One side Rochdale in the FA Cup.
Newcastle clearly have huge issues in the attack and they need quality to score goals regularly. Therefore, signing Callejon from Napoli makes sense for Bruce.
A versatile, tenacious and diligent player, Callejon is capable of playing anywhere along the front line. He has been used as a forward, a winger on either flank, in the centre as an attacking midfielder and as a supporting striker throughout his career.
The Spaniard is technically gifted and can act as the glue between the Newcastle midfielders and forwards, whilst supporting Joelinton upfront.
The former Real Madrid man is an extremely intelligent player who likes to exploit little spaces behind the opposition defence. That combined with his burst of acceleration and direct playing style should make him a terrific addition to Newcastle’s attack.
Add his composure in front of the goal and ability to play in different positions, Bruce could find a top player in the Spaniard.
Read More
- Why Newcastle must go all out for Galatasaray forward Ryan Babel
- Two players Newcastle must sign in January
- Why Nikola Kalinic could be a good short-term fix for Newcastle United
In the video below, one can get a glimpse of Callejon’s playing style and the qualities he would bring to St. James Park if a move goes through.
Verdict
If Newcastle strike a deal with Napoli for Callejon’s transfer this month, it would represent a significant piece of business for Bruce’s club.
