Newcastle United got off the mark in the transfer market ahead of the 2019-20 season with the signing of Brazilian striker Joelinton, who was bought for a club-record transfer fee of £40 million.
The Magpies, who appointed Steve Bruce as their new manager, are looking to conclude a few more deals with just over two weeks remaining before their first Premier League game against Arsenal in August.
The Premier League side reportedly want to sign at least four more players after the signing of Joelinton, as per Chronicle Live, and one of the players they are keen on bringing in is German left-back Philipp Max, who currently plays for FC Augsburg.
Max has been linked with Europe’s big boys as Barcelona and Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested in signing him ahead of the 2019-20 season, as per Sport.
The German is valued at £18 million by Augsburg, which could dissuade Newcastle from signing him, as they have left-back Paul Dummett, who is a steady figure at left-back.
Max was a part of Bayern Munich’s youth academy, before moving to Schalke, where he played for the reserve team. He moved to Karlsruher then, but it is at Augsburg where he has made a name for himself as a promising left-back.
What will Phillip Max add to Newcastle United?
Max is an attacking left-back, who bombs forward at every opportunity, and is a very good crosser of the ball from wide areas. The 25-year-old is a threat from set-piece situations with his accurate crossing, making an average of two key passes per game last year in the Bundesliga for his side.
The 25-year-old managed 7 assists last season and scored 4 goals in 34 games in all competitions for Augsburg, continuing the fine form from his previous season where he played a part in 13 goals in the league.
Max started off his career further up the field as a winger, but was shifted to the role of a left-back, where he has blossomed. But he can still play further forward if needed as he showed last season, playing a few games as a left midfielder or a left-sided attacker.
While he may not be known for his defending, he has improved defensively over the last few seasons, averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game last season.
Signing Max would be a huge coup for Newcastle United, who need a dose of energy from the full-backs. Max, would hence be an upgrade over Dummett at left-back.