As per Gol Digital, Premier League side Newcastle United have made Yacine Brahimi their top priority signing in the upcoming January transfer window as they look to shore up their attack amid speculation linking Ayoze Perez with a move away from St. James’ Park.
Brahimi may move away from Porto in January with a little over six months remaining on his current contract.
But what is he all about? Here is a SWOT analysis of the talented Algerian international.
Strengths
Brahimi is an agile winger who can test defences with his sharp movement and pace. But, unlike a traditional winger, he likes to cut inside to pick out a reverse pass or test opposition ‘keepers with his shots.
The Algerian has amassed 19 attempts in just 10 games this season – a tally bettered by only one Newcastle player, Kenedy with 21 shots.
Brahimi is a versatile forward who can be deployed anywhere across the final third while his strong physique figure means he is hard to knock of the ball.
And to top it off, Brahimi is an experienced attacker, who has made 182 appearances for Porto while also appearing in over 50 matches in both La Liga and Ligue 1.
Weaknesses
Although Brahimi may offer a lot going forward, the Algerian’s defensive output is almost non-existent, which could be an issue given Rafa Benitez’s philosophy.
Furthermore, the 28-year-old’s decision making in the final third is often questionable while his shooting accuracy clearly isn’t the best, having scored only two goals from 19 attempts so far this season.
Opportunities
Brahimi can be an exciting addition to Newcastle, a club that could certainly use someone like him in their attacking department. His ability to dribble past players and create opportunities for his team arguably makes him an upgrade over Ayoze Perez, who has been linked with a move to Real Betis.
Additionally, Brahimi’s tendency to move into central areas of the pitch will allow Benitez to deploy him as an out and out replacement for Perez as a secondary striker.
Threats
It will may be a difficult task for Brahimi to make the transition from LIGA NOS to the much faster-paced Premier League, meaning he’ll definitely take time to settle into the new conditions.
That is something Newcastle may not be able to afford as matches come thick and fast.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored