Rafa Benitez would significantly bolster Newcastle’s chances of avoiding a Premier League relegation dogfight by bringing Patrick Roberts to St. James’ Park.
Roberts, 20, has shone for Scottish champions Celtic this season while on a season-long loan from Premier League giants Manchester City.
Here, This Is Futbol considers three reasons why Newcastle should bring the England Under-20 international to the north east as Benitez looks to rejuvenate his squad to keep them in the top flight of English football.
Lack of options out wide
Despite the recent signing of former Chelsea ace Christian Atsu on a permanent basis, Benitez’s options out wide are limited to say the least. Both Yoann Gouffran and Sammy Ameobi are set to leave in just over a month’s time on a free transfer, as their current contracts expire on June 30, leaving just Matt Ritchie and Atsu to choose from. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez must solve this problem area immediately, and Roberts possesses the quality and potential required to provide both depth and creativity in the final third.
One of England’s most exciting prospects
The former Fulham attacker has come on leaps and bounds under Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in the green and white of Celtic this season. Roberts has had a hand in 30 goals during his 46 league and cup appearances, scoring 11 times and laying on a huge 19 assists for his loan side. His sparkling form in the final third has proved crucial in helping the Bhoys hold aloft the Scottish Premiership and League Cup title, with the Scottish Cup final to be played on May 27. A growth in maturity and footballing intelligence has seen Roberts make the step up, and he is now ready to make his Premier League berth. Benitez should bring him to Tyneside to do just that.
Likely to be allowed to leave on loan
Pep Guardiola is likely to have a summer clear out in the upcoming transfer window with an abundance of stars currently vying for a place in the attacking third of his starting line-up. Jesus Navas, Leroy Sane, Nolito, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Kelechi Iheanacho and Raheem Sterling will all provide competition for Roberts, and that could see him be offloaded on loan in the summer. If so, Benitez would be able to sign an exciting prospect that possesses the quality to terrorise Premier League defences for nothing, preserving his transfer budget to strengthen elsewhere.