Preparing to spend this time around following a year long frustration courtesy of PSR constraints, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch their move for a top defensive target.
All focus on Brighton for Newcastle
With four games remaining in the Premier League, Newcastle need no reminding about just how important each game will be. They have their fate in their own hands and could yet finish as high as second to cap off an excellent campaign. Whether it’s second or fifth, however, Eddie Howe and the rest of those at St James’ Park will care most about sealing Champions League football.
With the European race only set to heat up, Howe recently told reporters upon his return from suffering Pneumonia: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.”
The first of those “four huge games” will see the Magpies travel to The Amex where they will square off against a Brighton & Hove Albion side who have won just once in their last five games. Newcastle will still be well aware of the quality that the Seagulls possess though, given that they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fabian Hurzeler’s side in March.
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Fail to slip-up and Champions League football will be well within Newcastle’s reach and it’s then that they may just turn towards the summer transfer window and a long-awaited defensive addition.
Newcastle ready to launch Schlotterbeck move
According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now ready to launch a summer move to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after ending a year-long scouting mission. The central defender is currently sidelined with a torn meniscus which will see him miss up to six months of action, but that is yet to deter the Magpies, who will assess his return date before potentially making their move.
When fit and firing this season, Schlotterbeck was one of few standouts in a disappointing campaign for Dortmund and having watched on for as long as a year, Newcastle should feel satisfied that the defender would hand Howe an instant upgrade.
Minutes
1,982
2,575
2,970
Progressive Passes
8.86
3.32
1.70
Tackles Won
1.09
0.66
0.58
Ball Recoveries
7.14
4.30
2.76
What instantly stands out when looking at this season’s numbers is just how well Schlotterbeck progresses play – completing over double the amount of progressive passes that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have managed per 90.
The 25-year-old’s quality is clear and is something that former Newcastle defender Dietmar Hamann noted when Schlotterbeck came up against the Magpies last season. The German said: “He is a great player, very good in tackling and strong in heading.
“He’s probably one of the best centre-backs in terms of ball-playing skills, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe. I really hope he can finally take the next step now.”