Newcastle tipped to sign ex-Manchester United player for free

Newcastle United might have left themselves light in quite a few positions following the end of this summer transfer window. For example, who is the backup for Lewis Hall.

Hall himself was linked with a move away all summer. Fortunately, that did not end up happening and he has remained at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future.

That is a great move. But then, who is his backup option? All of those who can fill in there are ones who would need to play out of their natural positions in order to do so.

So, could Newcastle United look for a backup option on the free agency market? And if they do, could a former Man Utd player be the solution to their problems?

Newcastle United tipped to sign former Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia as a free agent

Newcastle World recently published a list of free agents that Newcastle United could sign. Former Man Utd left-back Tyrell Malacia is one of the names on it.

Now, it is quite evident that the Magpies are light in that area of the pitch. And it would be ironic if they ended up bringing in a former Manchester United player to fill the gap.

After all, let us not forget that Manchester United chased the signature of Hall for much of the summer transfer window but could not get it done.

Now, could Newcastle United end up signing Malacia as a free agent? And if they do, would it be the right signing for the Magpies at this point in time?

Why Newcastle should not sign Malacia

Do not get me wrong, at one point in time, Malacia was truly one of the most highly-rated young left-backs in European football. That is why Manchester United end up signing him in the first place.

He was a nailed-on starter for Feyenoord. He also made nine appearances for the Netherlands at the international level. That being said, one cannot overlook the shortcomings because of things he achieved more than four years ago.

Malacia failed at Manchester United. There is no other way to put that. The Dutch international simply could not get it done. And one has to wonder if he is the right fit for the Premier League.

So, Newcastle United signing Malacia would be a clear risk on the part of the Magpies. Yes, he is someone who is 27 years old, and we have seen many players struggle at Man Utd but do well elsewhere. But what are the chances of the Dutch left-back being one such player?