Why Newcastle United should plot a January swoop for Clement Grenier

Last year, Newcastle United were once again heavily linked with a move for Rennes midfielder Clement Grenier.

A graduate from the Lyon academy, Clement Grenier, 28, broke into the senior squad in 2009. After spending nine years with Lyon, he joined Guingamp in January 2018. After spending only six months with Guingamp, the midfielder was snapped up by Rennes last summer.

Grenier has got his career back on track with Rennes, bagging two goals and six assists in 33 Ligue 1 games last season. He was instrumental in Rennes’ run to the Europa League round of 16, only to be halted by Arsenal.

Considering the Frenchman’s consistent displays over the last 18 months, Newcastle must rekindle their interest in Grenier during the January transfer window.

Newcastle United are struggling in the Premier League and they were given a hiding at Leicester City on Sunday. Steve Bruce, who took over at St James’ Park in the summer, has endured a tough start to life as Newcastle boss, with a gritty victory over Tottenham their only win in the Premier League this season.

Joelinton is starting to look out of his depth, while the likes of Yoshinori Muto and Miguel Almiron have disappointed. The Magpies have been defensively woeful and the midfield lacks energy and creativity.

Newcastle have some exciting forwards but they are lacking service from the middle of the park. Jonjo Shelvey looks a shadow of his old self, while Kin Sung-yeung hasn’t played much under Bruce.

The midfield pairing of Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden have blown hot and cold and just when they seemed like forming a partnership, the latter got himself sent off with a reckless challenge on Leicester’s Dennis Praet.

There’s clear room for improvement in Newcastle’s midfield and Bruce, if he keeps himself at the helm until January, should make a move for Clement Grenier.

Grenier has played in various positions across the midfield throughout his club career and his addition would help the Magpies add some much-needed creativity in the middle of the pitch. He is a gifted midfielder with an ability to spray passes across the pitch to extend the build-up and stretch the opposition.

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The Frenchman also has an eye for key passes, whilst his tall frame makes him a threat from set-pieces. Not to forget, the ex-Lyon ace is also a free-kick specialist and his quality deliveries in the box would be a treat for someone like Joelinton.

Verdict

Newcastle must improve their squad in January to retain their top-flight status and signing an experienced player like Grenier would certainly help them achieve their season’s objectives.