OPINION
Despite summer moves for winger Kenedy and forward Yoshinori Muto, a familiar problem has plagued Newcastle at the start of the Premier League season: a lack of creativity.
The club secured a tenth placed finish in the league last term not through fancy football, but by tactical discipline and some savvy January arrivals.
Winter reinforcements might be required again this campaign after a quiet summer transfer window, and a choice move for Brentford forward Ollie Watkins could provide the solution to what ails the Magpies.
It’s not often that a Championship player is held aloft as the answer to a top flight team’s prayers, but Watkins is no ordinary second tier star. And, besides, we’ve seen the success of the likes of James Maddison and James Tarkowski in moving up to the Premier League in recent seasons, proving that the step up is not as cataclysmic as once was.
For the uninitiated, Watkins is a skilful, intelligent forward who can operate in a variety of positions across the front line. He primarily operates from the left hand side, but is capable of playing centrally and on the right as well.
After moving to Brentford from Exeter City last season, the attacking ace netted ten goals and provided four assists for the Bees in all competitions.
That led to the London Evening Standard reporting that the £15million-rated was wanted by Crystal Palace in the summer, but the deal never got off the ground. Instead he has started the new term on fire for Dean Smith’s side, scoring four times in six games for the club and claiming another assist.
At just 22 years of age he has plenty of time to improve, and it won’t be long until he’s playing top flight football for someone. The versatility, pace and eye for goal that he offers is exactly what Rafael Benitez requires, and the Spaniard must seriously consider a January move for the Englishman.
The Magpies chief isn’t getting enough production from those players surrounding the lone striker, and with Jonjo Shelvey out injured the team has seemed devoid of creativity recently.
Watkins would solve that issue. He is a live-wire of a player and would compliment a big body like Joselu or Salomon Rondon up front.
Kenedy, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu all have their strengths, but none of them can replicate the pure productivity of Watkins. Yes he’s playing in the Championship, but as we’ve seen with other players that is no barrier to top flight success.
£15million, while a stretch for Mike Ashley, is affordable for the club. This is a deal worth opening your chequebook for, because Watkins won’t be hanging around Brentford for long.
There is a ready made solution to Newcastle’s troubles staring them right in the face, all they have to do is go out and get him in January. It’s a no brainer, and the club must make a move before it’s too late.
