New Aston Villa winger Trezeguet has been far from impressive this season. (Getty Images)
According to Egyptian TV anchor Omar Rabie Yassin (h/t Birmingham Mail), Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has lodged a bid to sign Aston Villa’s Trezeguet.
The Egyptian has featured in 24 league games so far, however, he has managed just 13 starts this season, with manager Dean Smith still unconvinced about his consistency. The 25-year-old winger recently moved to England from Kasimpasa last summer after his impressive displays for the Turkish side in the previous two seasons.
Wide man Trezeguet managed 13 goals in his maiden season with them (2017-18). This was followed by nine goals and as many assists next season, prompting Smith to land the in-form man at Villa.
Despite just 13 starts, Trezeguet has found the net three times and given two assists until now. Moreover, he is a winger, who prefers to play on the left – something that is already occupied by Villa’s star man and skipper, Jack Grealish.
With Grealish establishing the spot for himself, Trezeguet’s chances have also been limited. He also scored a crucial goal in the EFL Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City, helping Villa advance to the finals.
Meanwhile, Bruce’s Newcastle side are in need of some creativity up front with the side having managed a mere 25 goals in their 29 league outings. Lack of good attackers in the ranks has seen the club sit at 13th place in the league standings.
Their record summer signing, forward Joelinton has failed to impress, netting in a single goal despite featuring in all their matches. They have been so weak in the attack that seasoned midfielder Jonjo Shelvey remains the side’s top goalscorer with five to his name.
Bruce’s Magpies also lack a creative winger in their mix, with another Allan Saint-Maximin being the only exception. Though he hasn’t been the best of performers based on numbers, the Frenchman has displayed some moments of individual brilliance.
He needs more time to settle but could surely develop into a better player in the coming days. Meanwhile, the rest of the wide men in the squad have failed to deliver anything substantial.
Christian Atsu, who is comfortable playing anywhere across the flanks has not managed a single goal despite appearing 18 times. Valentino Lazaro, who arrived from Inter Milan in January, has not yet got into the good books of Bruce, making just four league appearances.
Moreover, he is expected to return to his parent club in Italy when the season ends. Considering all that, Bruce’s pursuit of Trezeguet makes complete sense.
Despite his limited chances, Trezeguet has managed to score when given a chance, and this could be very useful for the Magpies, who could offer him more chances.
Newcastle clearly need new reinforcements in their attack given their poor goal-scoring record in the league this season.
The player will be waiting to get more game time and it would be available at St. James Park if the Magpies can secure a deal. Moreover, Newcastle’s lack of quality wingers is a cause of concern. Thus, signing Trezeguet seems like a good option at the moment.
