On the latest episode of The Athletic’s Pod On The Tyne podcast, Chris Waugh has been discussing what Newcastle United are looking for in a new centre-back this summer.
The Toon have been linked with a number of centre-backs already this summer, with Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Carter-Vickers and William Saliba all rumoured as targets.
Do NUFC need another centre-back this summer?
Yes
No
However, with just two weeks left of the summer transfer window, Steve Bruce is yet to see a new centre-back come through the door at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle opened their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a 4-2 defeat at home against West Ham United, which saw Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth start in a back three.
Discussing rumoured transfer targets in defence, Waugh had the following to say on the type of centre-back that Bruce would like to see signed in the final weeks of this summer window.
“My understanding is what Newcastle want, or what they’ve sort of briefed recruitment officials, is they want a player who can play on the left-hand side of the back three.
“Doesn’t have to be left-footed necessarily, but someone who can either carry the ball or is a bit more comfortable passing the ball and also has a bit more pace, which at the weekend, as we saw, they need more pace in those wider centre-back areas if they’re going to play with three at the back.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s defence…
There was a lot left to be desired about the defending shown at St. James’ Park from Bruce’s side on the weekend and we think they could do with adding another centre-back to improve their backline.
Newcastle captain, Jamaal Lascelles, was in the squad for the game against David Moyes’ side on Sunday but was restricted to the bench as he returns to fitness after sustaining a serious injury last season.
We think the addition of Lascelles could have improved the defence on Sunday, however, even with the 27-year-old, the Toon were suspect at the back last season and conceded 62 goals across the campaign.
In other news: ‘I thought it was a big call from Steve Bruce’ – Lee Ryder questions NUFC tactical decision