Newcastle United could reportedly revive their interest in Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco in the January transfer window.
The Belgian international, 29, could have signed for the Magpies in the summer transfer window but a move failed to materialise. Now that Atletico Madrid’s European dreams are over for the rest of the season, they could sell a couple of their players in the next window to balance their books.
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), Yannick Carrasco is one of the likely candidates to be sold by Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window, thus, handing Newcastle United a free run at the player. Atletico must raise €30m after failing to advance past the group stages of the Champions League, the report adds.
Carrasco has been a key cog in Diego Simeone’s Atletico side over the years, making 236 appearances in total for the Spanish club. He has made 18 appearances across all competitions so far this term, registering two goals and as many assists. However, the Belgian’s performance levels have seen a dip and that is one of the big reasons why Atletico are planning to offload him.
Yannick Carrasco to Newcastle United—Should Howe make a move?
Newcastle United have started the 2022/23 season strongly and are now considered one of the top contenders to finish in the top four. The club recruited smartly in the summer transfer window, with players such as Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak—before injury—making telling impacts.
To boost the Magpies’ top-four hopes, Eddie Howe would like to bring in attacking reinforcements in the winter transfer window. As there are chances of Yannick Carrasco being sold, the time could be right for Newcastle to revive their interest in the Atletico Madrid player.
A wide attacker by trade, Carrasco can play in multiple positions across the forward line or as a wing-back if required, and such versatility along with his experience, quality and energy have always made him a reliable performer for Diego Simeone’s Atletico side.
While it is true that both Atletico and Carrasco have not enjoyed the best of seasons so far in 2022/23, the Belgian was superb last term where he scored six goals, supplied six assists and created 10 big chances for his teammates. He could make a huge difference at Newcastle with his flexibility and ability, whilst bringing with him a winning mentality that could lift Eddie Howe’s squad.
At 29, the Atletico star can still produce the goods at the highest level for the next two or three years. Thus, if Los Colchoneros transfer-list Carrasco in January, Newcastle must jump at the chance to sign him.