Why Newcastle United should go for Aleksandr Golovin in January

Back in April 2018, the Chronicle had claimed that Newcastle United were interested in signing Russian midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, who was then playing for CSKA Moscow. But a move didn’t materialise after the World Cup and he went on to join AS Monaco in the Ligue 1.

Aleksandr Golovin, 23, didn’t have a great debut season with Monaco as the club narrowly survived relegation from Ligue 1. He managed three goals and as many assists in 30 games, failing to live up to the hype that was built around him after a fantastic World Cup campaign.

Nevertheless, the Russian midfielder is just 23-years-old and still has his best years ahead of him. With that in mind, Newcastle United must not hesitate to reignite their interest in Golovin when the transfer window reopens in January.

Newcastle spent big on reinforcing their attack over the summer, with the likes of Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin arriving at the club. Steve Bruce prefers a direct style of football and that makes Joelinton and Saint-Maximin perfect fit for his system.

However, Bruce needs creativity and goals from his midfielders as well if the Magpies are to challenge for a top-half finish this season.

Jonjo Shelvey didn’t have an impressive 2018/19 campaign as he struggled with a string of injuries and bad form. He is arguably the only central midfielder in Bruce’s squad that can pick out the willing runners in the final third with a long pass.

The likes of Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff and Ki Sung-yeung are not creative midfielders and not renowned for scoring goals.

That’s exactly why the signing of Golovin would make sense for Newcastle. Golovin is an extremely versatile player who can play in central midfield, on both the flanks, as a no.10, second striker or as a deep-lying playmaker. Such tactical versatility could only come in handy for Bruce, especially during big games.

The Russian international possesses exceptional technical ability and is renowned for influencing play in the final third, which would make him a perfect midfielder partner for the combative Hayden.

But the former CSKA Moscow technician is equally as effective when deployed higher up the pitch in the number 10 position.

Golovin is an extremely talented footballer, and his wonderful vision, energy and burst of pace, combined with his quality when in possession would surely help Newcastle improve upon the potency of their play in the final third.

Verdict

The 23-year-old is a fantastic player and is yet to hit the peak years of his career. He still can develop and if Bruce does manage to bring him to St. James’ Park in January, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance for Newcastle.