Newcastle Planning Early For A Potential Big Name Midfield Signing: Excellent Choice For Howe?

Newly-minted Newcastle United are planning a stunning free transfer swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

The Croatian international’s contract situation is a much touted talking point in Italy, with the central midfielder out of contract at the end of the season and talks over an extension have stalled since they started a couple of months ago. This means he is free to speak to non-Italian clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement from January onwards.

According to The Sun, Newcastle United have set their sights on Marcelo Brozovic as the new Saudi owners view him as one of their first bigger signings next summer. The report adds that the cash-rich Premier League club have already established initial contact with the midfielder’s entourage over a deal.

Brozovic, 28, played a major role in Inter Milan’s title triumph under former boss Antonio Conte last season. The Croat has been one of the first names on the team sheet under new manager Simone Inzaghi, starting all 12 Serie A games to date this season.

Marcelo Brozovic to Newcastle United—A solid midfield addition?

Winless Newcastle United have been woeful in every single department this season and rightly lie in the relegation zone. While 12 goals scored and 24 conceded in 11 games exemplify the need to dip into the January transfer market for reinforcements, the Magpies will also have to keep an eye on the summer transfer window next year.

Newcastle could do with some extra gusto and spark in the middle of the park.

None of Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock or Ryan Fraser have delivered consistent performances in midfield, thereby, leaving the Newcastle defence exposed almost every game and also failing to impact the proceedings in the attacking phase. As signing top-quality players are generally difficult during the mid-season trading period, it won’t be a bad idea to go big on a midfield signing next summer.

In that regard, Marcelo Brozovic would be a top fit at St James’ Park. At Inter, Brozovic has managed to dominate games with his passing, vision and tackling skills. He has the work ethic, discipline and engine to cover a lot of ground and press the opposition persistently. As a deep-lying playmaker, the Croat does the job of connecting the defence to attack very well as well as venture forward with the ball when required.

Compared to the current crop of Newcastle midfielders, Marcelo Brozovic is head and shoulders above the others in terms of reading of the game, creativity and vision required to unlock defences. A solid passer and a tenacious tackler, the Croatian international would significantly improve the Magpies’ midfield unit whilst adding much-needed experience and winning mentality within the squad.

At 28, he has entered his prime years as a footballer and possesses the qualities to make an instant impact at Newcastle. On a potential free transfer next summer, Brozovic would represent a smashing piece of business for several reasons for the cash-rich Newcastle.