Why Newcastle United selling Ayoze Perez was a poor move
According to The Guardian, Leicester City signed Ayoze Perez from Newcastle United for £30million at the beginning of the season. Perez signed a four-year deal with the Foxes after they activated his buy-out clause and beat off competition from a number of leading European clubs.
Perez scored 12 Premier League goals last season and his excellent partnership with Salomon Rondon helped Newcastle move away from the relegation zone.
Even though Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United made a large profit, his departure has left a sizeable hole to fill.
Perez was Newcastle’s top scorer in all competitions in each of the past two seasons, scoring 13 goals in the last campaign and also reaching double figures the year before.
Even though Steve Bruce has managed to pull off wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United this season, his side has failed to produce goals and scoring opportunities.
Newcastle have scored just five goals in nine Premier League matches so far. All five goals came in different matches, meaning they either heavily depend on the defence or fail to finish the limited chances.
Most importantly, all five goals came from different players. Bruce has managed to get just one goal from his main striker Joelinton. The rest of the goals have come from defensive midfielders and defenders.
Matthew Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey, both of whom are not used in regular starting line-ups, have scored.
Meanwhile, Fabian Schar, who is currently the top scorer in Newcastle’s squad, and Jetro Willems have also found the back of the net once so far. Interestingly, Schar scored four goals last season as well.
Perez, on the other hand, is yet to open his goalscoring tally for the Foxes but he has already provided two assists so far. He has featured in all but one league game. Foxes coach Brendan Rodgers has shown his faith in the 26-year-old and has started him in six of the eight league appearances.
Perez has provided depth in abundance for Leicester City. His pace is exceptional and with Jamie Vardy in the middle, the duo is very lethal during counter-attacks.
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Bruce failed to recognize Perez’s potential and he is also struggling to find a replacement, leading to Newcastle’s struggles in the relegation zone.