OPINION
The amount of players that Newcastle United have been linked to recently is bound to have got fans excited that the club may finally conduct some decent transfer business.
Despite the limited transfer kitty, supporters will have undoubtedly got giddy over the fact that United have been linked to midfielder Thiago Mendes, as reported by the Times – and Milan Badelj, as reported by the Mirror.
Both of the players are classy individuals in their own right, but should boss Rafa Benitez pull off a double coup for the midfield duo on the club’s radar, then he would be majorly boosted in that area of the park.
Badelj was selected to be a part of Croatia’s World Cup squad this summer and like his fellow countrymen, he is a classy midfielder with superb passing ability whilst also possessing the quality to break-up play and control proceedings in the holding midfield role.
On the other hand, Mendes is a more creative player who likes to surge forward, whilst still being able to come back and cover quickly with his lightning pace.
Instead of just trying to sign one of these players, Benitez’ priority should be to attempt both captures which would be the perfect midfield pairing.
The Brazilian attacking enforcer netted eight goals last season, demonstrating his eye for goal as well as being able to make pacey runs to open up opponents’ defences.
If he was to link up with the Croatian international, Badelj would provide him with the opportunities to get forward by providing stable cover for the back line.
It is not a case of one or the other here – owner Mike Ashley needs to greenlight a double transfer that could potentially aid the club’s quest to achieve a higher position in the league.
Benitez now needs to make a swoop for the midfield duo to boost his options, before any other clubs get there first.
