Newcastle’s hopes of signing Paco Alcacer on loan from Borussia Dortmund may be scuppered by Barcelona.
According to The Guardian, the La Liga heavyweights are considering a swoop for Valencia forward Rodrigo. Should that happen, the report adds that the latter will turn their attention to Alcacer as a possible replacement.
Newcastle have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour Dortmund striker recently and fortunately for Bruce, the Guardian adds that Barcelona may also consider Wissam Ben Yedder as an alternative.
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It’s not often Barcelona find themselves having a huge say on Newcastle’s transfers, but supporters should be hoping that the Catalan giants decide against a move for Rodrigo. Having come through the ranks at Valencia, a return to the Mestalla could appeal to Alcacer.
Since joining Dortmund from Barcelona, Alcacer has had a mixed run, with some good form and some bad luck along the way too. During the 2018/19 season, the Spaniard scored 18 league goals in 26 appearances for Dortmund (transfermarkt), which included a purple patch of form that saw him net 12 goals in as many games at the start of the campaign.
However, this season has been a different story for Alcacer and while he’s not lost his goalscoring touch – scoring five in six starts – he has been unfortunate with injuries. He’s already missed seven games for Dortmund as a result of knee and Achilles problems (transfermarkt).
Described by the Bundesliga’s official website as ‘instinctive in and around the box’, Alcacer could be the penalty box striker that Newcastle have lacked this season. His addition could offer something different to Bruce in attack when compared to Joelinton, who has often been used as a target man this season.
Not only does his scoring record speak for itself, but valued at an impressive £38m, Alcacer could be viewed as a big coup for the Magpies if they can get a deal over the line.
