Newcastle United have been fairly inactive so far in the transfer market with no signings to show for this summer. Manager Rafa Benitez has reportedly been frustrated by the club’s slow pace of business and missing out on top targets like Tammy Abraham and Harry Maguire.
But a glimmer of hope is being seen for Benitez and the club as recent stories reveal that the Magpies are interested in a move for Hull City’s left-back Andrew Robertson but will face competition from Watford who are now under the stewardship of Hull’s former manager Marco Silva.
The Tigers have decided to let go of the players who have just a year remaining on their contracts at the highest possible price, Robertson is one of them. The 25-year old wants to play in the Premier League and hence has caught the eye of many clubs in the first division.
He is valued at £8 million by Hull which is the reason why Burnley backed out of the race to sign him. The Newcastle boardroom are also undecided on splashing £8 million for a player who has just a year remaining on his contract.
But they need reinforcements this summer and Robertson is a player who can help them have a good comeback season in the Premier League. And the Magpies must be quick in their bid for the player in focus as Watford might steal Robertson owing to Silva’s presence at Vicarage Road. The Portuguese had only a brief spell at the club but Robertson performed admirably under his tutelage which means he might be tempted for a reunion to elevate his career in the coming season.
Stats
The Scotsman made 45 appearances for club and country this past season and just at the age of 23, he is nearing 200 caps for club and country combined. He averaged 1.7 interceptions per game and was dribbled past just 0.7 times per 90 minutes in a game. These stats are bettered only by Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand with the Hull City man being one of the best in the league statistically. (Stats via Whoscored)
What’ll he offer Newcastle United?
Robertson is your quintessential modern left-back. He has the flair of a Brazilian fullback going forward but he combines that with a traditional English defensive approach. He is difficult to beat one on one and has a peach of a cross in him.
United will get a brilliant defender if they decide to spend £8 million on the 25-year old. And they must spend the required amount to take the Scot on board as he can also give the Magpies a great resale value for the club in the coming years. Coupled with that is the fact that Newcastle and Benitez will get the best years of Robertson’s career at St James’ Park.