OPINION
Newcastle United are prepared to spend millions on a Matt Ritchie replacement but youngster Rolando Aarons can replace him for nothing.
As reported by Sky Sports, Newcastle are targeting Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend to replace the outgoing Matt Richie, who is subject to interest from Championship side Stoke City.
However, the Magpies have a youngster in their ranks who could potentially replace Ritchie and he wouldn’t cost Mike Ashley a single penny.
22-year-old Rolando Aarons has been through his fair share of setbacks in recent years. Injuries, loss of form and unconvincing loan spells have hindered his career. But now is the time to give the Jamaican youngster a chance in the first-team.
Regardless of what has gone on in recent seasons, Aarons remains a real talent and a big asset to Newcastle. Young players need chances to show what they’re capable of and with the impending sale of Ritchie, there’s an opportunity to give one of the Toon’s most promising talents a chance to hold down a regular first-team spot.
The winger, who had a loan spell at Italian side Hellas Verona last season, is an exciting talent who can dribble past opponents at will, has great pace and gets fans off their seats. If Rafael Benitez shows him that he trusts him, coaches him around the tactical aspects and when to press the opponent, Aarons can become the player that everyone thought that he would be.
Newcastle fans respond well when an academy graduate does well in the first-team, they would love Aarons to be given a chance and they would support him every step of the way. Even if he’s not performing well they will guide him through games and he will get more and more confidence, which will lead to better performances and he will develop more as a player.
Benitez should give Aarons a chance, that’s all he needs.
