OPINION
Newcastle United must attempt to prise Beram Kayal away from Brighton in the January transfer window with the Magpies in desperate need of a playmaker to complete the puzzle.
United already have the likes of Ayoze Perez and Kenedy on the books, but it is safe to say that Perez has not been up to scratch recently, while Kenedy is not a long-term option seeming as he is only on loan.
This makes a move for the Seagulls man make complete sense, and it is no secret that Rafa Benitez needs a player who can get the ball up to his strikers efficiently – something which he seriously lacks at this moment in time.
Kayal could just be the answer to all of Newcastle’s prayers – well in attack, anyway.
The 30-year-old has not been Chris Hughton’s first choice this season, with the manager preferring the likes of Solly March playing as his attacking midfielder – and even though he has nine appearances in the Premier League this season, the majority of those outings have come from the bench.
The ex-Celtic star may consider a move away from the Amex Stadium if he continues to play second fiddle to March any longer, as he no doubt craves the first team opportunities that he rightly deserves.
When he has starred for Brighton, his bright, creative play has made a real impact and it is a shame that he is not recognised more for his efforts on the pitch.
Not only has Kayal made a total of 28 appearances in the Premier League, he also has 86 appearances in the Scottish top-flight under his belt as well as 14 outings in the Champions League – meaning that he clearly has the pedigree to walk straight into Benitez’ starting XI with ease.
The Israel international is currently on £25,000-a-week [Spotrac] at Brighton, a wage that Newcastle would be easily able to match, as well as the potential transfer fee that would come with it.
Kayal is an exciting talent and there is no doubt that many fans would be drooling at the prospect of him joining forces – all Benitez needs to do now is complete a masterstroke by signing him in the New Year.
