Newcastle took another step towards securing their survival as they beat Huddersfield at St James’ Park. The Magpies now have 35 points from 31 games and need at least a win and maybe a couple of draws to ensure they retain their top-flight status. If they manage to stay in the top-flight, we could see a few additions come summer.
Rafa Benitez has done well with a shoestring budget but he’s unlikely to stick around if the club doesn’t allow him to spend and sign the players he needs. The Tyneside outfit were linked with quite a few players last summer and during January but weren’t able to sign the players they wanted to which is why they are still in the mix for relegation.
The transfer window is sometime away yet there have been reports linking the side with certain players. The recent one is the club’s supposed interest in RB Salzburg midfielder Valon Berisha. The 25-year old has had a good season and now is perhaps the right time to move to a bigger league.
Berisha – fact file
Having move to Salzburg in 2012, he has managed to slowly and steadily impress with each passing season. Still only 25, the midfielder has good athleticism and is a tenacious player at the centre of the pitch. It’s a bit of a surprise he hasn’t move to the German Bundesliga and RB Leipzig in particular as they too are owned by Redbull.
The likes of Naby Keita and Kevin Kampl too played at the club and perhaps Berisha is the next big name who could make a move elsewhere.
Last season was his most productive in a Salzburg jersey as he managed seven goals and 11 assists from midfield. So far this season, he has mustered four goals and eight assists and could improve his tally.
What will he offer Newcastle?
Newcastle’s midfield is one of the stronger areas of the squad but that doesn’t mean Benitez shouldn’t add more numbers. Berisha would be an upgrade over most of the midfielders at the club. Unlike Shelvey, he is more composed on the pitch and has more pace than the likes of Merino and Hayden.
He is more of an attacking minded player and could be the box to box midfielder who might thrive under Benitez. Passing is one of his key strengths and the creativity could make the Magpies play more on the front foot, so he’d be a good addition.