It’s been a tough window for Newcastle United as they haven’t been able to spend the money the fans wanted them to. With the deadline approaching, however, the Magpies are closing in on another defender.
According to reports from The Sun, Newcastle have agreed a move for Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez. Newcastle will pay £6 million for the Argentine international who has already agreed personal terms. The medical will take place soon.
Having moved to Swansea in 2014, Fernandez had a good beginning with the Welsh outfit. Because of how the club were mismanaged in the end, after being a model of consistency for a few seasons, Fernandez’s form too took a dip as the team just couldn’t play with the same intensity they used to.
Swansea had to pay €10 million for Fernandez’s services in 2014 and after signing for the club, he became an instant hit. Fernandez made 28 appearances. That number increased the following season to 32.
Last season, the Argentine made 30 appearances and was pretty impressive at the back despite the Welsh outfit’s eventual relegation. He managed 1.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game on an average but what stands out is his clearance rate per game. With six clearances a game, he took the pressure off the Swans at times.
There were a lot of games where Swansea were under the cosh last season, so Fernandez’s four blocks per game was equally impressive.
Right now, signings who can improve the squad, if not the first team, are imperative. Benitez has done the best he can with what he has at his disposal, but Florian Lejeune’s surgery means they are a bit short at the back. That’s where Fernandez could come in handy.
Still only 29, Fernandez is at the peak of his prowess and he has the experience of playing the Serie A as well as the Premier League. Benitez does have English duo of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and new signing Fabian Schar. But Fernandez will add more experience to the team.
A cup run is something the Newcastle fans would love and a strong defensive spine will help the manager rotate their squad better at the back.
For a fee of £6 million, Fernandez would be a pretty impressive addition on the deadline day.
Stats via Whoscored
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