Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Atletico Madrid attacker Samuel Lino.
Eddie Howe is currently dealing with major injury problems in his squad. The Toon Army will look to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window to ease the pressure on the current crop of players. Given the offensive unit has been stretched due to injuries, Eddie Howe is likely to target an attacker in the winter window.
According to Spanish outlet Todofichajes, Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Lino has emerged as a target for Newcastle United following his eye-catching displays in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid opted to loan Lino, 23, to Valencia for the 2022/23 season, after agreeing to sign him from Portuguese side Gil Vicente, and he performed very well for Los Che. He featured in all 38 of Valencia’s La Liga games, registering six goals and an assist last term.
Back at Atletico, the Brazilian has been one of the revelations of La Liga this season, bagging two goals and as many assists in nine appearances. Moreover, he has also impressed in Atletico’s Champions League campaign with a goal and two assists.
Samuel Lino to Newcastle United—Right option for the club?
Newcastle are suffering one of their worst-ever injury crises. The Toon Army were without 11 senior players in their 4-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday in the Premier League. Their injury crisis worsened before the game as Joe Willock pulled up in training.
And showing just how deep the club’s injury crisis runs, it is not surprising to see Newcastle already planning to reinforce the squad in the January window. The Magpies could certainly use more quality and depth in the attack, and Samuel Lino could prove to be a quality acquisition during the second half of the campaign.
Lino has played a key role in Atletico’s strong start to the 2023/24 campaign that has seen them take 30 points from 13 matches. The Brazilian has proved to be a highly efficient player with his pace, directness and energy for Los Colchoneros, and he has been rotated at different positions by Diego Simone. Despite being a left-winger/forward, the 23-year-old has excelled as a left wing-back this season on many occasions.
Direct and athletic, Lino could make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He could boost Newcastle’s attack with his attributes whilst adding depth to Eddie Howe’s squad. The Brazilian can be used in multiple positions on the left and such versatility should only bode well for an injury-ravaged Newcastle squad.
However, the Toon Army may have to wait until the summer though as Atletico have no interest in a January sale. Lino is said to be happy in Madrid, so Newcastle will need to do some persuading if they are hell-bent on signing him in January.
