According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are in the race to sign Villarreal winger Alex Baena, but will have to compete with Aston Villa for his signature.
The Magpies have struggled to maintain their high quality and expectations in their performances so far this season, and the January transfer window could prove crucial in their attempts to earn European qualification.
Eddie Howe and his new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, failed to make important summer signings to ensure Newcastle can compete with their elite rivals for European spots in the Premier League this season.
However, when the transfer market reopens in the new year, they will have an opportunity to redeem themselves, and there will be huge pressure to deliver quality players in key roles in the squad to drastically improve their current trajectory.
Newcastle have fallen to 12th in the league table after failing to secure a single win in their last five outings, and if the former Bournemouth boss wants to maintain his status at the North East outfit, he will need to find solutions fast.
Indeed, the overwhelming injury crisis of last season has significantly leaked into the current campaign with Sven Botman still in recovery after his ACL surgery in April, while Callum Wilson continues to defy medical science with constant setbacks in his attempts to become available to the team.
It has been heavily reported that Newcastle are keen to bolster the attacking threat when they can do so in January, and a right winger is at the top of Mitchell’s shopping list.
Caught Offside have claimed this week that Villarreal’s bright young attacker Alex Baena is a player that Newcastle are monitoring, but will have to compete with Aston Villa for his signature – noted to be worth €65m (£54m).
Both Premier League clubs are believed to have had scouts in attendance at Baena’s most recent games against Getafe and Real Valladolid, and have both been left impressed with his performances and profile.
Will Newcastle sign a right winger in January?
There is no doubt that the attacking threat at St James’ Park is becoming an increasing concern for the Magpies, with only nine goals scored so far this season in the Premier League.
However, they have not been without opportunities with 113 shots and 36 on target this season so far in the top flight, so bringing in another attacking-minded player who can be direct and feed Alexander Isak with higher quality chances would be massively advantageous.
Over ten La Liga appearances so far this season, the Spain international – hailed for his “sensational” form by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has scored one goal, registered five assists and created six big chances already, as well as averaging 3.8 key passes and 4.1 ball recoveries per game.
Not only that, the 23-year-old is ranked in the top 2% of his positional peers (per 90 minutes played) across the top five European leagues for assists and shot-creating actions, as well as the top 6% for progressive carries, displaying his clear ability to influence impactful attacking play, as per FBref.
One of the most appealing and attractive traits that Baena possesses is his diversity in positioning and consistency in those roles, featuring mostly as a left winger, but also earning a wealth of experience in attacking midfield and as a right winger over his career so far.
Despite disappointing performances as of late, Newcastle do boast an incredible midfield with Brazilian sensation Bruno Guimaraes and his compatriot Joelinton, alongside Italian star Sandro Tonali and an underrated talent in Joe Willock.
As a result, it would make more sense for Baena to be targeted for his ability to play on both the left and right wing as opposed to being added as part of the already highly competitive rotation in the midfield, but does provide quality depth in the centre of the pitch at the same time.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle do submit an offer for Baena in January and how the club would like to utilise his incredible skillset.
