OPINION
With Newcastle United reportedly interested in Nicolas Tagliafico, securing his signing would be a massive step in the right direction.
As reported by the Sun, Newcastle are fighting with Premier League newcomers Fulham for the signing of Tagliafico, who would reportedly cost £8m.
The signing of the Argentine flying full-back would be a great signing for next season and would show that, finally, Newcastle’s transfer business is ramping up and targeting players of the right quality.
The 25-year-old left-back is a player of real quality, as shown by his performances for his country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He started all four of their games and played in a variety of tactical systems, he was one of their only standout players throughout the whole tournament.
Jorge Sampaoli, the now ex-Argentina coach, insisted on a very technical style for his players. Not all of them could manage it, even some of the more experienced campaigners, but Tagliafico shone and really highlighted his technical qualities.
For the Magpies to target someone of his quality is a positive in itself, but to have the reported opportunity to sign him for just £8million is what dreams are made of for Rafael Benitez. Even Mike Ashley will love this deal, due to the small fee.
The only problem that the Toon have got is that reportedly, Fulham are involved in the chase for the Ajax defender. The London club have been incredibly ambitious in this months transfer market, signing players like Jean Michel Seri and Andre Schurrle, which is what Newcastle should have been doing in the first place.
The signing of Tagliafico won’t make all of Benitez’s problems go away overnight, he still has a lot to do in terms of convincing Ashley to spend and getting the right players in, but it could be a big step forward from where they were.
