Transfer story
Rafa Benitez has not been a happy man since the last few weeks. After guiding Newcastle to the top-tier of English football, he has been miffed with the owners of the club for not giving him his desired players. Newcastle have had an average transfer window so far and Benitez has been touted to walk if things don’t improve.
In order to make the best use of the last two days, the club are looking to sign Dennis Praet and provide Benitez a little more attacking arsenal up front for a fee of £20m.
Dennis Praet’s current team Sampdoria have already rejected two bids made by Newcastle United. The Magpies are finding it difficult to land the Belgian youngster due to the stubbornness shown by the Italian club.
Sampdoria’s manager Marco Giampaolo is very reluctant to let go of his star talent. He has already lost his forward Patrik Schick to AS Roma on a loan and hence wants to keep hold of his youngsters now.
Who is Praet?
Dennis Praet has been making waves in Italy ever since his move to Sampdoria. He looks to be one of the finest talents in the Seria A now and that explains the Italian club’s desire to keep him.
Praet started his young career playing for Belgian club Genk and spent most of his youth career over there. Then in 2010, Praet moved from Genk to Anderlecht and made rapid progress in the Belgian club. He developed most of his skills there and then made his first big transfer away from Belgium to Sampdoria.
In Sampdoria, he racked up an impressive 32 appearances in a single season. Though he managed to score a single goal and assist in the whole season, his defensive contribution was commendable. His work ethic is amazing and hence he has become a fan-favourite in Sampdoria. Praet ran his club’s system through the middle of the park and created many chances. He helped his team to improve their efficiency and fluidity in their style of play. The midfielder made 24 key passes throughout the course of the entire season and helped his team out in defence too.
Dennis Praet had 80% pass accuracy and hence rarely misplaced the ball in the middle of the park. He made the majority of his defensive actions through clearances. (Source: Squawka)
What can Newcastle get out of him?
Dennis Praet has the potential to become a midfield marvel. He has the technical competency as well as the game awareness required to master the midfield. Newcastle’s team looks incompetent to extend their stay in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez needs some dire reinforcements to add teeth to his team. They can get an able playmaker in this young Belgian.
He is actually worth the attention and fuss around him. Praet has the potential to play both as a central and an attacking midfielder. He just needs a bit of improvement and refining in his game. The Italian league has produced some marvellous midfielders over the years. If Praet makes this switch to England, we can see another talented midfielder rising through the ranks.