According to a report from Mirror, Newcastle United are considering a move for Croatia’s Milan Badelj. The Premier League club has emerged as a potential destination for the former Fiorentina midfielder although they could face stiff competition from a host of clubs across Europe.
Badelj, 29, is currently a free agent after seeing his contract with Fiorentina expire at the end of last season. This has attracted the interest of Newcastle, who are believed to be working with limited funds once again this summer and thus, the prospects of signing a proven individual for free seems like an appealing proposition.
The former Hamburger SV midfielder notably played a key role as Croatia surprised everyone to reach the 2018 World Cup final. Even though he wasn’t an assured starter in Zlatko Dalic’s team, Badelj made three appearances, scoring one goal and providing an assist.
As far as his club career is concerned, the 29-year-old spent four fruitful seasons at Fiorentina after initially arriving from HSV in the summer of 2014. During his four year stint with the Italian giants, Badelj was a mainstay in midfield, featuring in over 100 competitive appearances.
Newcastle, on the other hand, have had their fair share of problems in midfield last season. Although the duo of Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey were quite excellent in the second half of last campaign, the Magpies have lost the services of Mikel Merino and Jack Colback earlier this summer.
In addition, reports have been rife regarding Isaac Hayden’s potential exit from the club this summer, thus hinting at the fact that another midfielder could soon follow Ki Sung-Yeung through the door’s of St. James’ Park.
Badelj, in particular, could be an ideal candidate for Newcastle United given his ample experience in top-flight football. The Croatian international has made over 200 combined appearances during his time at Serie A as well as the Bundesliga.
Despite the presence of Ki, Shelvey and Diame in midfield, Badelj’s addition to the club will certainly revitalize their midfield department next season. His experience coupled with his composure on the ball could help Newcastle retain more possession – something that they struggled to do in the past.
He can be stationed as the holding midfielder, where his good tackling qualities will be put to good use. Alongside him, the onus will be on the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-Yeung to provide the necessary thrust in the final third as Newcastle attempt to follow up with another impressive display in the forthcoming campaign.