Newcastle United will decide whether or not to make an offer to sign free agent midfielder Afriyie Acquah next week, according to Football Ghana.
The Ghanaian news outlet claims that Rafa Benitez made Acquah, 27, a top target before he left St James’ Park at the end of last season and Steve Bruce will now consider whether he also wants the central midfielder.
Acquah is without a club after his contract at Serie A side Empoli expired [transfermarkt] but is said to have impressed for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations and is now attracting a lot of interest.
OPINION
It wouldn’t be unlike Newcastle to try and sign a free agent so there’s a good chance that Acquah has been considered by the Tyneside club after his contract at Empoli expired. Acquah has played for some decent clubs in his career, turning out for teams like Parma, Torino and Hoffenheim before he made his way to Empoli last summer. He made 28 appearances last season as Empoli were relegated from Serie A on goal difference on the final day of the season. It seems as though that relegation has left Acquah without a club and he is now up for grabs. Should Newcastle really be looking to sign someone who played a role for a club that was relegated from Serie A? It’s not a weak league but it’s nowhere near as strong as the Premier League. Acquah may be available on a free transfer but he is someone who the Magpies should avoid, even if Benitez did supposedly see him as a top target before he left.
