Midfield is definitely going to be an area of focus for Newcastle United this season. That is because Sandro Tonali has left this summer. Bruno Guimaraes is being linked with an exit as well, amid interest from Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, although the Magpies are believed to be keen on holding on to the Brazilian international. And Joe Willock is also expected to head for the exit door.
All things combined, it feels like Newcastle United are now weaker in the middle of the park. And even before Tonali’s exit, there was a need to strengthen the squad in general after a 12th place finish in the Premier League.
Over the past few weeks, Newcastle United have been linked with quite a few midfielders. Some of those names have excited the fans as well.
Johan Manzambi is one of them, enjoying a standout World Cup campaign right now with five goal contributions in two starts. Another is Lamine Camara, although that move is now starting to look unlikely. Now, the name of a former Chelsea midfielder has emerged as a potential target as well.
Newcastle United linked with former Chelsea player
Rumours are doing the rounds online that Lesley Ugochukwu of Burnley is a midfielder on the radar of Newcastle United as a potential target in this summer transfer window.
Ugochukwu is currently on the books at Burnley. But they ended up getting relegated from the Premier League after finishing 19th last season.
Naturally, some questions have emerged over the future of their best players. Ugochukwu is one of them. Could a move to St James’ Park be on the cards for him?
Would Ugochukwu be a good signing for Newcastle?
Of course, many would raise their eyebrows at the idea of signing a player from a relegated team. Especially someone like Ugochukwu, who is not a bona fide star by any means.
He does have all the characteristics to be a solid player for the Magpies though. Ugochukwu could be an under-the-radar signing that proves to be elite a few years down the line.
The Frenchman is 22 years of age. Physically, he has all the tools you could ask for in a player in his position. And technically, he is pretty good as well.
Ugochukwu was brought to England by Chelsea when they signed him from Rennes. The French club’s academy is famed for the players they have produced over the years.
Almost unsurprisingly, Ugochukwu did not make the grade at Chelsea. But it is not like he did not get a look-in at all. The Frenchman did play 15 games for the Blues,
At the very least, Ugochukwu is a Premier League-level talent. Under the right circumstances, he can be a very good one. Will Newcastle United make their move?
