Newcastle United have all but secured their top-flight status for the next season and manager Rafa Benitez is already planning for life next season. The Spaniard is desperate to add some quality to his first team but is also keeping an eye on the long-term future of the club and is linked with some exciting youngsters for a move this summer.
One such name exciting many fans is Karlo Letica.
Newcastle United Steal Lead In Race For Letica
A transfer target for the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, 21-year-old Karlo Letica has snubbed offers from both the European giants in the past but is now ready to play the biggest clubs in the game. And reports now suggest that Newcastle United are interested in his services and could land him this summer.
He is expected to cost £8m and will only move if given assurances of a first-team spot. So is he a worthy investment for Rafa?
Who Is Letica?
Born and brought up in Split, Croatia, the 21-year old graduated from the academy at Hajduk Split and only broke into the first team in 2016. He spent the previous season on loan at Rudes and came back stronger this season, claiming a first-team spot at Split.
He has managed 16 league appearances this season, where he has kept 10 clean sheets and has shown that he is ready to take on Europe. Known for his tall frame and agility, Letica is strong with his basics and is effective with his positioning under the bar. He is pro-active and happy to play as a sweeper when needed and at just 21, is already regarded as one of the best in his role in the country.
He has broken into the Croatian U21 side this season and is certainly a star for the future. But where does he fit in at St James’ Park?
Where Does He Fit In?
The Magpies have a plethora of options for this role in the side. Martin Dubravka is currently the first choice for Rafa but the Slovakian is at St James’ only on a loan and it is unclear if he will be available for a permanent transfer.
Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow are with the squad but do not seem to have won the trust of Rafa and might not be at the club next season. Freddie Woodman, out on loan, is another player on Newcastle United’s books, giving more depth to this role.
So it is evident that Letica will not walk into the first team any time soon. So it will be interesting to see if The Magpies are ready to spend close to £10m on a squad player. The option of loaning him out will always be appealing but it will be interesting to see how this story pans out. Do you think Rafa should go all in for the Croatian?