Failing to recruit a suitable head coach following the departure of Alan Pardew, coupled with a number of the summer arrivals failing to impress thus far, has seen Newcastle’s season take a drastic turn for the worse. Now the club’s hierarchy are preparing for a complete summer overhaul of the depleted squad with the strikers among the areas that need addressing.
Although Papiss Cisse has finally found his shooting boots, that have evaded him for the past two seasons, his bad temper and impulsive behaviour has resulted in the Senegal international receiving bans from the FA for two separate incidents this season – firstly, for elbowing Seamus Coleman repeatedly and, secondly, for spitting at Manchester United’s Jonny Evans.
In his absence, Ayoze Perez was made to carry the weight of an entire club on his shoulders, with Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra failing to live up to the hype surrounding their arrivals. Infact, since Papiss’ departure for the African Cup of Nations in January, Newcastle have scored just eleven times in thirteen games (bearing in mind Cisse bagged two of those, in-between returning from AFCON & spitting at Evans).
It is clear to see the Magpies cannot cope without Papiss – who’s contributed to 33% of Newcastle’s goals this season. The 29-year-old needs a partner – somebody who can meet the Geordie faithful’s expectations – but, who? Here’s my shortlist:
Charlie Austin (QPR)
Should QPR suffer relegation from the Premier League this season, St James’ Park could be the ideal destination for the 25-year-old. The Premier League’s second highest scoring Englishman (behind Tottenham’s 19-goal striker Harry Kane), with 17 goals in 30 games, causes defenders problems week in week out with his pace and aerial prowess. Whilst Charlie is more than capable of latching onto through balls played beyond the last defender, his stature makes him a handful for defenders in the air too – posing as an excellent outlet for counter attacking football. As a result, Austin could easily be imagined linking up with the likes of Remy Cabella and Ayoze Perez to punish the opposition from swift break aways.
£10million is reportedly what it would take to prize Austin away from Loftus Road this summer – assuming the R’s are relegated. With Charlie’s best years ahead of him, the investment certainly wouldn’t be dead money to Mike Ashley, who would be tempted by the potential of profit in a few seasons time.
Danny Ings (Burnley)
Speculation continues to grow surrounding the England U21 international’s future with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. 22-years-old, homegrown and, most importantly, free – what more could Mike Ashley ask for? Another desirable trait that Ings possesses is his versatility, being able to play upfront or behind the striker as a number 10. However, as enticing as Ings may seem to Newcastle’s hierarchy, they would have to fend off fierce competition from Liverpool and Manchester United.
Andre-Pierre Gignac (Olympique de Marseille)
The most experienced player on this short-list and like the aforementioned, Danny Ings, he is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. The Frenchman has been on Newcastle’s radar for sometime but, due to Marseille’s asking prices in the past, Graham Carr & co. have opted to pursue other targets.
Other than experience, what do Newcastle’s scouting team see in Gignac? Simply put; he’s a natural goalscorer – backed up by his tally of 20 goals in 31 games this season. The French target-man is usually utilised as the outlet to commence counter attacks – like the player Emmanuel Riviere was expected to be. Be that as it may, the 29-year-old is more than capable of dribbling with the ball and is competent with the ball at his feet, which is reflected in his 23 successful take ons this season (an average of 0.83 per game) – more than Papiss Cisse (6) and Emmanuel Riviere (6) combined.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (RSC Anderlecht)
If Mike Ashley is prepared to part with more than a few pennies to prise him from Anderlecht, the acquisition of Mitrovic would be a serious statement of intent. A player linked with a move to England for the past two seasons, Mitrovic is highly regarded as one of the hottest prospect in Europe. Albeit in Jupiler Pro League, the 20-year-old leads the scoring charts in Belgium with a record of 14 goals in 27 games this season, as well as 3 in 7 in European competitions.
Fans may be sceptical due to his £15million price-tag but Mike Ashley may have learnt his lesson from last summer. After failing to go the extra mile for Alexandre Lacazette, his fellow compatriot Emmanuel Riviere arrived for a cut-price of £5million. His first Premier League goal still continues to evade him after 18 appearances.
Bas Dost (VfL Wolfsburg)
A gamble, to say the least. Despite enjoying a purple patch at the turn of the year that saw the Dutchman bag 13 goals in just 8 matches and attract the attention of several potential suitors across Europe, Dost is without a goal in his last 9 outings. Infact, without his spell of good form after the winter break, Dost’s record this season would be a mere 3 goals in 15 appearances.
Dost, who’s yet to govern a shot from outside the box this season, can be best described as a poacher. He posses great mental ability and can score goals out of seemingly nothing but, when it comes to contributing to the build up play, the Dutchman offers very little. The 25-year-old has created just 11 chances this season and completed a mere four successful takes ons – incredibly poor when you consider our young Spaniard, Ayoze Perez, has created 24 chances and completed 49 successful take ons in his debut season.
Personally, I would pursue the other targets first.
