Newcastle United You have yet to sign in January, and with just over a week before the window closes, time is running out Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are in contention to finish in the top four of the Premier League amid a good run of results recently, but a new arrival or two could certainly help that cause.
Plenty of names have been linked with a move to St James' Park, especially defenders. Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon is one player Who Howe is keen to sign, but he may cost a lot this month.
This could lead to the manager turning elsewhere in search of a new centre-back…
Newcastle is looking for a centre-back
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have been offered The opportunity to sign defender Eric Garcia, who is currently at Barcelona, having also played in the English Premier League with Manchester City.
The 24-year-old was previously scouted by the Magpies, according to Baillie, and with them needing to increase the centre-back position again throughout the transfer window, could they strike a deal this month?
His contract with the Catalan side expires in 2026, meaning Howe will have to pay an appropriate fee in order to secure his signature before the end of the window.
If so, will they get someone better than Diomande?
Why should Newcastle sign Eric Garcia?
The Spaniard won the league title during his time with City, but while playing for Barcelona, the centre-back has become really good.
The 24-year-old has made nearly 100 appearances for the La Liga side and will almost certainly be a vital player for Howe, there's no doubt about that.
|
Eric Garcia's statistics in the Spanish League this season (per 90) |
|
|---|---|
|
Accurate passes |
32.6 (92%) |
|
He treats |
1.2 |
|
Key passes |
0.1 |
|
Objections |
0.4 |
|
Total duels won |
3 |
|
Lost possession |
4x |
When compared to his peers in Europe's top five leagues, Garcia Currently ranked in the top 3% In shot creations (1.64), top 2% in progressive carries (1.86), top 1% in progressive passes (8.05) and top 14% in tackles (2.05) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
These stats prove that he is a forward-thinking defender who likes to play the ball outside the defense whenever possible, and initiates attacks from his own half.
In comparison, the Diomande doesn't show anywhere near the same level of performance across these metrics.
Indeed, the Sporting Lisbon defender Ranked at the bottom 92% In shot creation movements (0.38), the bottom 85% in progressive carries (0.26) and progressive passes (2.29), along with ranking in the bottom 86% in tackles (1.02) per 90 compared to peers in the top five in Europe. Leagues.
This proves that Garcia might be the best option for Howe, especially since he might cost a little less than Diomande.
the £96,000 per week He was even a star He was hailed as a “monster” By football talent scout Jacek Kulig during his time with City, which indicates just how big a talent he is.
On the evidence presented, Garcia would be an excellent signing for Newcastle, especially if they hope to secure Champions League qualification.
Will Howe be able to complete the deal this month? Only time will tell.
