OPINION
Newcastle United have reportedly been linked with David Okereke who currently plays his football in the Italian Serie B for Spezia Calcio.
The 21-year old has impressed this season so far in the Italian second division, but could be a huge risk for Rafa Benitez to bring to St. James’ Park.
According to The Sun, Okereke is reportedly being monitored by Newcastle, Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Showing no disrespect to the Serie B, but it’s not quite the same standard as the Premier League, and for a player to come in to the top English division with no other top flight experience would be a great risk to take, for any club.
The Nigerian forward has scored ten and assisted twelve goals this season in the Serie B, and will be hoping that his side can make the jump to the Italian top flight come the end of the season.
He could certainly be considered as a diamond in the rough in terms of footballing ability, and although there is no doubt that the 21-year old has talent and lots of potential, he is definitely not quite ready for the step up which he would need to make should he arrive in Newcastle in the summer.
Benitez should look elsewhere for the services of a new striker, and as it begins to look increasingly likely that Newcastle may have difficulty in signing Saloman Rondon, as they are a yet to wrap up a deal after the forward spent his 2018/19 campaign on loan.
Rondon scored 12 goals last season and it’s hard to say with any certainty that Okereke could do the same.
Therefore the Magpies should probably look elsewhere, and make sure to bring a player in who is not a complete gamble; because as it stands Okereke is a risky gamble.
