OPINION
Newcastle United must sign West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson in the summer as his arrival at St James’ Park would send a clear message to every team in the Premier League.
The Daily Mirror reported on Monday that the race for the 6ft 1in tall centre-back’s signature in the summer was already set to be intense, with Burnley, West Ham and the newly-promoted Wolves all keen to add him to their squads.
The newspaper claimed that the Baggies were bracing themselves for bids regarding Dawson, especially if they suffered relegation this season, which seems likely given their current position.
However while the Magpies aren’t listed as being interested, Rafa Benitez must urge his club to submit an offer for the 27-year-old defender as signing him would put everyone in the Premier League on notice.
Aside from proving to everyone that the Magpies are a more attractive club to play for than that of Burnley, who might have European football next season, Wolves or even West Ham, Dawson’s arrival would put everyone on notice for another reason.
The centre-back, who can also feature as right-back, has been one of the Baggies stand-out performers this season and he has even managed to keep Jonny Evans out of the team with his recent impressive displays.
Dawson has proven in the 26 league appearances he has made this season, that he is an enforcer capable of doing a solid job in the Premier League.
While the 27-year-old isn’t the type of signing that gets pulses racing due to having an exciting style of play, he brings with him a known quality.
Benitez’ side this season were a Championship-level squad playing in the Premier League, and Dawson’s arrival would tell everyone that the Magpies weren’t messing around next season.
The 27-year-old is a known name in the Premier League and his arrival would signal that the Magpies’ squad for the next campaign would be receiving a significant upgrade to turn them into a side ready to compete in England’s top-flight.
Therefore the Magpies must enter the race and see off three teams to sign Dawson in the upcoming summer window, as it would inform everyone else in the Premier League, that Benitez’s side were ready to do more than just survive in the top-flight.