3 minute read
2/9/2022 | 05: 35pm
Newcastle United were linked with a move for Youri Tielemans this summer but were unable to complete a deal for the player over the transfer window.
What’s the latest?
It was reported by Sky Sports News on Deadline Day that Newcastle were interested in signing the Leicester City midfielder, however, the club did not make an approach in time to secure his signature so late in the window.
Football Daily posted a clip from Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett reporting the club’s interest yesterday:
“There is definitely interest in Tielemans from Arsenal in particular, but also from Newcastle.
“Leicester don’t want to sell him, it would take a bid of around £25m I’m told from them to be persuaded.”
Howe could regret it
There is no doubt that Newcastle have strengthened the team over the last 12 months and it has paid off as the side continue to pick up the results comfortably in the Premier League going unbeaten in their first four games of the season, only losing to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this week.
However, with injury issues already presenting themselves at St James’ Park, it is surprising that the club did not choose to strengthen their midfield further before the transfer window closed.
Jonjo Shelvey picked up an injury in pre-season and hasn’t been available for selection over the season so far, with the experienced Magpies midfielder undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury and not being available for at least three months.
Bruno Guimaraes also picked up a knock and was not available to play in the defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to action this weekend against Crystal Palace.
As a result the signing of Tielemans could have been the perfect opportunity for Howe to add another midfielder into his squad in the North East over the summer transfer window, making sure there isn’t a huge drop in quality when injuries occur.
How many 2021/22 Premier League goals did Newcastle score?
The 25-year-old talent who was hailed “fantastic” by Emile Heskey, has created three big chances, making 1.8 key passes and 2.2 tackles per game, winning 73% of his duels combined and completing 100% of his dribble attempts over five appearances so far, proving that he offers both attacking and solid defensive attributes too.
With that being said, the decision to not sign Tielemans could be one that Howe and the powers at St James Park could regret as the season progresses, especially if they continue to pick up knocks and injury issues in the centre of the pitch in the months ahead.