Norwich City ended their stint back in the Premier League with a dismal run in of ten consecutive defeats and made an immediate return to the Championship. Although there were a handful of players who impressed for the Canaries, they were powerless to prevent Daniel Farke’s side from finishing bottom.
Some of those key men could be on the move, and one who has been linked with a host of clubs is Todd Cantwell. The 22-year-old displayed a particularly impressive eye for goal earlier in the campaign, notching six goals by New Years Day, though he has been unable to find the net since as Norwich slumped into the abyss. Newcastle United are one of many sides believed to be interested in the Englishman, and Steve Bruce must convince him to come to St James’ Park, instead of opting for Manchester City, Leicester City or West Ham United.
Newcastle have been desperately short of goals this term and Jonjo Shelvey finished as the top scorer with six Premier League strikes, the same as Cantwell. The 22-year-old would almost certainly be offered a starting role in the Magpies’ side and could add some more much-needed goals from the middle of the park if the strikers stutter again. The 22-year-old found the net more frequently than any Newcastle striker managed this term, with Dwight Gayle leading the way on four goals.
Furthermore, Newcastle have one of the more elderly Premier League squads, with an average age of 26.4, and Cantwell would add some youthful vigour to Bruce’s side. Also, given the bidding for Cantwell is reportedly set to start at £20m, he has the potential to make a handsome profit if the move proves successful.
Another reason Cantwell would suit the current Magpies squad is that he could offer a unique dynamic on the right side of midfield. The Canaries midfielder does not possess Allan Saint-Maximin’s blistering pace and close control, completing an average of 1.3 dribbles per match to the Frenchman’s 4.7 per 90 minutes. However, what Cantwell can boast is outstanding reliability in possession, completing 81.9 per cent of his 28.8 passes per match. Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin retains possession with a 79.1 per cent accuracy, but plays a meagre 16.6 passes per game, highlighting how he relies on his dribbling abilities.
Cantwell would not only be a shrewd investment who is yet to reach the apex of his value at 22-years-old, though it has dropped marginally, he would also offer Newcastle an extra dimension in attack. Furthermore, his goals from midfield could prove to be incredibly handy for the Magpies and with the likelihood of a starting role St James’ Park, Tyneside could be the ideal place for Cantwell to continue his development.
