OPINION
As has been the case for some time, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is working on a sell-to-buy transfer strategy at St James’ Park, and despite the lack of funds he has managed to pull off some impressive deals so far.
From the freebie capture of Ki Sung Yeung to what was reportedly a bargain capture of Swiss international defender Fabian Schar, the Magpies have been strengthening and replacing departing stars with savvy swoops, having seen Mikel Merino and Chancel Mbemba exit.
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s confirmed exit should see yet more spending take place, but the club should not stop cashing in on their first teamers just now.
Isaac Hayden has confirmed to the Chronicle that he is looking for a move away from Tyneside further south for personal reasons, having joined from Arsenal two years ago, and with Rafael Benitez unlikely to want to keep an unhappy player on the books, a replacement must be sought out.
It seems as though the Spaniard has wasted no time in sourcing what he needs, with Le 10 Sport claiming that Lille midfielder Thiago Maia is set to join the squad at St James’ Park on a loan to buy deal imminently.
It is stated that the Brazilian 21-year-old is to link up with Benitez and his men for the upcoming season, with a £22.2million (€25million) purchase clause included in his contract, and with his arrival, Hayden must be sold on.
Maia is a talented midfielder who can operate both as a defensive and a central figure in the team, and his versatility should give the Newcastle manager much more options than Hayden did, with the former Gunner very much a ball winner and nothing else.
It looks like a good bit of business for the Magpies, and gives Benitez some added quality ahead of the upcoming campaign.