- Newcastle United are in talks with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Garcia
- Spaniard expected to cost somewhere in the region of £50m
- Why Garcia could be perfect for Eddie Howe’s system
Newcastle United are in talks with Real Madrid over a possible deal for Spanish forward Gonzalo Garcia. The 21-year-old is expected to leave Los Blancos this summer.
The Magpies have been linked to the 22-year-old consistently over the last couple of months and now look set to make that speculation concrete in the coming weeks.
Real Madrid have opened the doors to a deal for the Spaniard this summer, with the academy graduate looking for a more regular starting role. A fee of around £50m is expected to be enough to get a deal over the line.
Newcastle United interested in Gonzalo Garcia
Despite other areas of the pitch needing to be more urgently addressed, the lack of creativity and goals in the forward areas was a big issue for Eddie Howe’s men last season.
This has led to some speculation about each of Newcastle’s current strikers, although none are expected to depart at present. A shortlist of names has still been circulated, though, with Garcia one of the most prominent on the list.
The likes of Goncalo Ramos and Darwin Nunez are among the others who have been linked with the club, but it now appears Garcia has emerged as the frontrunner with the recent reports of contact between the Magpies and Real Madrid.
Garcia is not at the World Cup this summer with Spain; thus, a deal could be easier to get sorted than with some of the other targets.
Newcastle’s hierarchy, Ross Wilson and David Hopkinson, are both said to be working hard behind the scenes to get more deals over the line quickly following the Ewen Jaouen signing, and Garcia could be the one coming to fruition.
What would Garcia bring to Newcastle United?
Garcia emerged as a rather adept goalscorer for Real Madrid last season despite his lack of consistent minutes. The Spaniard managed six goals in just nine La Liga starts on his way to a tally of 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.
It is unclear what new manager Jose Mourinho thinks about Garcia, but the Spaniard’s position at Real Madrid is still expected to be in jeopardy, and the forward could suit Newcastle United better than Los Blancos.
Garcia has a relentless work ethic, which could endear him to the intense high press of an Eddie Howe system. He has the ability to drop deeper to link up play or stretch the game and run in behind, both of which are characteristics the Magpies have struggled to replace following the departure of Alexander Isak last summer.
Most importantly, Garcia rarely misses chances when they are presented. That lethal finishing ability could be exactly what Newcastle need next season as they look to get back on track.
