Rafa Benitez has not been able to land his top transfer targets in the summer transfer window and this January transfer window is fast turning into a similar time for the Newcastle United manager. Struggling to find consistency, the Magpies are in desperate need of a striker who can add goals to their side but Rafa has now failed in his bid to land Nicolai Jorgensen.
Feyenoord Reject Bid For Jorgensen
According to several reports, Newcastle United had Nicolai Jorgensen as their top transfer target this month and have also made a £16m bid for his services, which is a club record. However, Sky Sports now claim that Dutch outfit Fenerbahce are holding out for close to £20m and have rejected the first bid from Newcastle.
Rafa is close to letting Aleksandar Mitrovic leave but needs a replacement so should the Magpies meet Jorgensen’s valuation?
Who Is Jorgensen?
Having started his senior career with Akademisk Boldklub, the 27-year only made a name for himself in his time at Danish top flight club Copenhagen, where he first moved to, back in 2012. He made exactly 100 league appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals before he moved to the Netherlands in 2016 with Fenerbahce.
He is the first choice striker at the club this season, making 13 league starts and registering seven goals and three assists till date. A centre-forward who loves to have the ball at his feet, the Danish international is adept at hold up play and is a lethal finisher. He is pretty prolific in and around the box but what makes him dangerous is his ability to create chances for his teammates.
Layoffs and short passes are his bread and butter but his discipline, or the lack of it, is what has stunted his growth at the highest level. He often picks up cards unnecessarily, which could be a problem for the Magpies.
Chances At St James’ Park
Neither Joselu nor Dwight Gayle have done enough to cement a place in the first team regularly under Rafa this season. So the manager is looking for a player who can take up first-team responsibilities straight away. Jorgensen, who is now 27, has loads of experience and has attributes that will allow him to be a success in England.
He might take a while to adjust to the needs of his new club but the Dane is a genuine match winner and is sure to help Newcastle United smoothen their ride to safety this season.