Newcastle have been linked with a move for Atlanta centre-forward Josef Martinez ahead of the next transfer window.
The club are reportedly scouting the striker as they consider a January swoop for Martinez to bolster their strike force.
Martinez has scored 31 goals in 35 games for the MLS side in 2019, which has attracted interest from both Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League.
Although Martinez is a top player in his own right, Newcastle signing him could also be a huge boost to a current Toon midfielder – Miguel Almiron. The playmaker joined Newcastle for a club-record – at the time – fee in January of this year but has failed to make his mark on Tyneside.
Since arriving in England, Almiron – quite simply – has not been good enough. 0 goals and 0 assists as an attacking player in 15 Premier League appearances is dismal, to put it lightly. He has shown a lack of composure and confidence in front of goal, whilst his decision making when passing in and around the box has been hit and miss.
In America, Almiron and Martinez formed a formidable partnership, with the pair managing 48 goals and 17 assists between them in 2018 for Atlanta. Almiron came in with 13 goals and 11 assists, whilst Martinez contributed 35 goals and six assists. Even in their first season together, 2017, they hit 28 goals and 10 assists. Despite it being in the MLS, an inferior league – with all due respect – to the Premier League, it shows that they worked well in an attacking system.
If Martinez does join Newcastle in January, he would be coming into a club where he already knows one of the players, allowing him to have one foot in the door of the changing room before even arriving at the training ground – which is always a boost. He would also take less time to settle in on the pitch, as he already has a pre-existing relationship with Almiron from their two years together.
But, how could Martinez aid Almiron? Well, he knows exactly how Almiron likes to play, which areas of the pitch he is most effective in, the runs to make to receive his passes. It would make Almiron’s life as the attacking midfielder in the side so much easier, rather than trying to support Joelinton, who is often just left isolated as the lone front man.
Of course, it will not solve all of Almiron’s problems. He still needs to calm down in front of goal and take his time with his finishes, rather than rushing and – often – scuffing his efforts. However, Martinez could be the player to come in and help him settle down and really start to make his mark at St. James’ Park.
Now it’s just down to Newcastle and whether or not they are able to lure Martinez to the club in the next transfer window, if they even decide to approach him in January.
