Ryan Babel of Galatasaray reacts during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu. (Getty Images)
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Newcastle signing this powerful 32-year-old striker would solve their lack of goals

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Why Ryan Babel would be a smart signing for Newcastle United

Back in April, the Football Insider (h/t The Daily Star) had claimed that Newcastle United were interested in signing then Fulham forward Ryan Babel.

Ryan Babel, 32, returned to the Premier League in January, signing a six-month contract with Fulham. But following the Cottagers’ relegation, he left the club and joined Galatasaray on a three-year deal.

Back in Turkey, the Netherlands international has enjoyed a good season so far, managing four goals in 11 games for Galatasaray.

With Babel currently performing well and having shown last season he can still cut it in England’s top flight, Newcastle United must revive their interest in the 32-year-old during the January transfer window.

Ryan Babel of The Netherlands controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match between Germany and Netherlands at Volksparkstadion. (Getty Images)
Ryan Babel of The Netherlands controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match between Germany and Netherlands at Volksparkstadion. (Getty Images)

Newcastle have picked up back-to-back wins in the Premier League, easing the pressure of Steve Bruce’s shoulders. However, one cannot deny the fact that the Magpies need reinforcements in January to avoid relegation.

As things stand, Newcastle lack a back-up striker to Joelinton, who has faded in recent weeks after promising start to life at St. James’ Park.

The likes of Yoshinori Muto, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll aren’t up to the required standard to compete with Joelinton for a spot in Bruce’s starting XI. To put things into perspective, Newcastle need more firepower in the squad.

In that case, Babel would be a smart addition to Bruce’s squad. Babel performed extremely well in an underperforming Fulham side that suffered relegation last season.

The forward has shown that he still has two to three years of high-quality football left in himself. Even at 32, he can be a real threat for the Premier League defenders.

Ryan Babel in Besiktas colours. (Getty Images)
Ryan Babel in Besiktas colours. (Getty Images)

The 32-year-old has proven his versatility at every club he’s played, making him an exciting option to have in the attack.

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Meanwhile, at Newcastle, Bruce has only four options to lead their attack in Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Christian Atsu. The addition of Babel to this goal-shy Newcastle attack will be massive.

Verdict

In truth, Babel would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle. He would bring assists and goals to the Magpies’ attack, whilst handing a massive boost to Bruce’s hopes of avoiding relegation.