Aston Villa

Newcastle battling Aston Villa for Barbet

|
Image for Newcastle battling Aston Villa for Barbet

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is interested in signing Brentford centre back Yoann Barbet for free this summer, according to Calcio Mercato.

The Italian outlet claims that Benitez wants to bring the 25-year-old to St James’ Park, but that the club could face competition from Championship side Aston Villa.

Barbet’s Brentford contract is set to expire this summer, making him a cost-effective addition to the Newcastle backline.

The 6ft 1in Frenchman [Source: Transfermarkt] has made 116 appearances for the Bees, including 35 this season.

Good move for Newcastle?

This is rather unexpected. Newcastle are very well-stocked at centre back at the moment so this is a surprising link. Barbet will be available on a free and so from a financial point of view he’d be a good signing, while he has impressed in the second tier throughout his time with Brentford. However, as mentioned, Benitez has numerous quality centre halves at his disposal as it is. Does he really need another one? He has Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Florian Lejeune, Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark who can all play in the heart of the defence. Not much room for Barbet it would seem. This might be one move best left alone, in all honesty.

This is Futbol rating: 4/10

Likely to happen?

You would think that, unless Villa clinch promotion this term, Newcastle would have the advantage over the Championship side in any potential tug of war for Barbet. They would feasibly be able to offer more money and a better quality of football. If Benitez really does want Barbet then there’s no reason why he wouldn’t end up at St James’ Park.

This is Futbol rating: 6/10

Share this article