Newcastle United always needed to bring in reinforcements this summer after finishing 10th and trophyless last season. That became even more important after the players who have left the club.
Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham Hotspur in a club-record £100 million transfer. And there is heavy speculation that Bruno Guimaraes could be on his way out as well, and has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal if reports are on the mark.
That would mean that Newcastle United would need to bring in quality in the middle of the park to replace them. So far, the only addition there has been Sean Steur, the 18-year-old Ajax midfielder. Clearly, that won’t be enough.
Fortunately, it looks like the club have now agreed another midfield signing. Although, once again, it is a youngster and not a proven talent.
Fabrizio Romano drops here we go for Newcastle United
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aladji Bamba to Newcastle United is here we go. The deal is done with AS Monaco for a €41 million package and a medical has been authorised.
Bamba has travelled to England to complete his move. The green light has come from AS Monaco. Personal terms have also been agreed with Newcastle United.
Bamba is 20 years of age. And just like Steur, he has only played 25 games at the senior level. So, the same question will remain. Are the midfielders Newcastle United brought in good enough to replace the quality that has left the club?
Bamba is very highly rated though. He has represented France at multiple youth international levels already. So, the talent is quite clearly there. There is a reason that he has commanded a €41 million transfer fee.
Newcastle need to bring in some experience as well
At this moment, it looks like Newcastle United have adopted a transfer strategy of only signing youngsters. They have brought in Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure and Steur so far. Bamba looks set to join them soon.
But none of them is older than 20. So, the lack of experience and proven quality is quite clearly there. Then you consider the players who have left the club in recent times.
Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak have left within the past 12 months. The likes of Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Joe Willock and more could follow this summer.
This lack of experience could come back to haunt Newcastle United. And it might be a problem they are making a big error overlooking.
