There has been various reports suggesting Newcastle goalscorer Papiss Cisse could be on his way to Besiktas. The Magpies are said to be demanding £10million for the Senegal international and will allow him to leave once a replacement has been signed – but is this the right decision?
Papiss Cisse put pen-to-paper on a five and a half year deal with Newcastle in January 2012, after the Magpies agreed a £10million fee with Freiburg. The striker was given the famous number nine jersey which gave the Geordie faithful high expectations for their new signing – and Cisse definitely delivered during his first season.
He scored a sensational goal on his debut after coming on as a substitute, instantly winning over the Toon Army. He then made his first start in a disappointing 5-0 loss away to Tottenham. By the end of the season, he had made 14 appearances scoring 13 goals. During his debut season he also won the ‘goal of the season’ award for his stunning second in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge – which handed the Magpies a boost in their pursuit of the top four.
His second season was relatively anti-climatic – only scoring 13 goals in 47 appearances. Although, Cisse did scored a vital goal in stoppage time against Fulham to help Newcastle secure Premier League safety.
As well as his goalscoring form, Cisse has also struggled with his short fuse. His bad behaviour has seem him suspended several times – the most recent resulting in a seven game ban after he spat at Manchester United’s Jonny Evans. He also received a three game ban for repeatedly elbowing Seamus Coleman earlier in the season. Newcastle also lost Cisse through injury and the African Cup of Nations last season, which dramatically affected their season. The 30-year-old boasts one of the best minutes per goal ratios in the Premier League, but he only played 22 times last season.
Simply put, Newcastle must buy a natural goalscorer to replace Papiss Cisse as they do not own anybody else who scores goals. Ayoze Perez was the only player to come close to Cisse’s tally last season, but all the pressure cannot be put on the shoulders of someone so young and inexperienced.
Should Newcastle find a buyer willing to match their £10million valuation, then cashing-in on Cisse (who has two years remaining on his current contract) while they still can seems wise – but only if he is replaced. Without a replacement, Newcastle will be staring down the barrel of relegation once again. You simply cannot go through a season in the Premier League without a goalscorer.
In my eyes, Charlie Austin – a player strongly linked with a move to Tyneside – could be a perfect replacement. The 25-year-old netted 18 times in 35 appearances last season – equal to Newcastle’s two highest scorers combined. The QPR hit man is a natural goalscorer and could potentially be seen as an icon in years to come if he completes a move to Newcastle. The asking price of £15million is definitely a concern to the Newcastle board, considering Austin only has one year left on his current deal, but he is more than capable of scoring 20 goals a season on Tyneside – which could fire Newcastle right back into the European mix.
Austin was one of the leagues best strikers last season and Newcastle would be foolish not to snap up the striker, before another Premier League rival does. With a creative spark in midfield (Cabella, De Jong, etc.) then Austin could smash last season’s tally for Newcastle. He is an all round striker – a good finisher, strong in the air and intelligence when making runs.
The 25-year-old is desperate to secure a move this summer after the Hoops were relegated to the Championship. He believes he is capable of playing Premier League football, and I agree. Newcastle can offer him that and it would be the perfect deal for all parties.
