OPINION
After what seemed to be a slow start to the summer transfer window, Newcastle United fans are finally seeing their side make inroads into reinforcing the squad, although much work still needs to be done.
With Fabian Schar’s arrival taking the total up to four deals – two of which were Martin Dubravka and Kenedy returning after loans last season – Rafael Benitez has a couple more positions which must be strengthened before he can consider the summer a success.
Another midfielder and more cutting edge up front are necessities to bolster a threadbare first team squad, which has resulted in plenty of young talent being used during pre-season.
One man who is yet to feature, and is likely to have been forgotten by many of the Toon Army, is Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu, who is recovering from injury.
However, his performances last season hardly warrant him being a regular in the first team, lacking the ability to constantly perform on the flank, as well failing to deliver the opportunities for the club’s strikers to feed off of.
The 5’4″ (source: Transfermarkt) flyer should therefore be deemed expendable by Benitez, and if his sale can fund the arrival of an improved option, it must be done without hesitation.
The Sun claim that the Magpies are eyeing up a reignited swoop for Club Brugge winger Anthony Limbombe, and after his six goals and seven assists last season, the 24-year-old certainly looks a much better option out wide.
Said to have been in talks with Huddersfield over an £11million move, and unwanted by his club this summer, Atsu could demand a fee in a similar region with his experience of the Premier League – and the Magpies would be getting an upgrade.
Fast, powerful and direct, Limbombe brings everything Atsu has and more, and would be worthy competition to Kenedy on the left flank.