OPINION
Newcastle United must poach Stefan Johansen from Fulham in this transfer window as the 27-year-old midfielder is exactly what Rafa Benitez needs.
The managerial genius, as stated by the Chronicle on May 31, is thought to want to welcome a new central midfielder to St James Park in the current window.
While no candidates for the position are listed Benitez should be looking at the recently promoted Fulham for the perfect option to take.
Johansen, who played 49 times for the Cottagers in the 2017/18 season, would tick Benitez’s box when it comes to finding a midfielder worthy of playing in the heart of his team.
Benitez reportedly was looking at raiding the Premier League new boys for Ryan Fredericks, as reported by the Chronicle,but should focus his attention on getting the speed demon’s teammate instead.
While it isn’t revealed what kind of central midfielder the Magpies boss is after, Johansen can do it all so there’s no way that he wouldn’t be able to see out Benitez’s vision.
The 27-year-old scored eight goals while registering nine assists in his outings during his latest campaign, and aside from having a positive effect on a side’s attack, he does the dirty work needed to succeed as well.
When the attacking Fulham were caught out it was Johansen who was there to put out the fire, calm down his teammates and get his side back on the front foot once again.
The central midfielder is strong in the tackle while also having the creative vision needed to unleash his more clinical teammates.
Johansen also, as seen in an in depth interview about his teammates and himself with The Times in May, would bring the right character traits to St James Park as well.
“I say what I think, I’m an honest guy,” said the midfielder when talking about himself.
“If I think someone can play better I will tell them but if I play badly I can’t say others have too, I have to lead by example. Maybe I speak too much but I don’t think it’s too bad a habit.”
The Magpies need players who want to stand up and be counted as that will help them propel up the league, so based on his remarks in his interview it seems he fits the bill perfectly.
Johansen also has a winning mentality established from his time at Celtic where he lifted two league titles and his experience of winning silverware could prove vital to Benitez’s grand vision for the Magpies.
Even though the 27-year-old chipped in with goals and assists as his main attribute seems him quietly getting on with the dirty work, he find himself wrongly overshadowed at Craven Cottage currently due to his headline-stealing teammates such as Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon.
All this means is that the Magpies should look to sign Johansen from Fulham, as the price shouldn’t be too steep, as he would beautifully meet Benitez’s need for a new central midfielder.
