OPINION
If there is one position that Newcastle United need to prioritise more than anything in this January transfer window, it is left-back.
Paul Dummett’s injury has left Rafa Benitez painfully thin in terms of cover for the role, with the likes of Javier Manquillo and even Achraf Lazaar being touted to fill in during his absence.
Luckily for the fans, neither of those players ended up playing a part, with the manager opting for a five man defence in a surprise tactical switch.
Benitez stated in his press conference ahead of the clash with West Ham that the club really need to swoop for a left-back in the New Year, and even admitted that Dummett also thinks that this should be the case.
“Everyone can see we need another left-back because we only have one. Paul Dummett knows it too and he is happy because he wants competition from an attacking player. We need a couple of other positions too, but we will see,” he said, as quoted by the Chronicle.
The need to sign a player in this role is now more paramount than ever, and Brighton’s Bernardo could just be the option they are looking for.
Yes, he only signed for the Seagulls in the summer, but he has hardly been given a look-in this season under Chris Hughton, who prefers to utilise Gaetan Bong at left-back.
So far, he has made three appearances in the Premier League, a figure that he will no doubt want to improve upon this term.
No player likes to play second fiddle, and all the time Bong is fit, Bernardo’s first team opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.
There will be a part of him that would consider a move away from the South Coast in search of more minutes – and Benitez should be the one to take advantage of that.
From what has been seen of the 6ft 1in [Transfermarkt] flyer, he has a great ability to go forward as well as tracking back quickly to defend – so a move for him is essentially a no-brainer.
