Why cash-strapped Newcastle United must sign free agent Diego Reyes
If a report from Sky Sports is to be believed, Newcastle United are interested in signing 25-year-old Diego Reyes. The Mexican international is currently a free agent after his FC Porto contract expired this summer. Cash-strapped Newcastle United have been restricting themselves from spending in the transfer market but signing Reyes for free would be a smart move by the club.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League should seem like an enticing option for the talented defender. In fact, the Mexican centre-back could even turn out to be a regular in the starting XI for the Magpies. If things turn out as planned, it will definitely be a win-win situation for both Rafa Benitez and Diego Reyes.
Now, let us take a look at the reasons why Newcastle United could strike gold by signing Reyes.
Representing the country at the highest level since U17 days
The 25-year-old has been a part of the Mexico national team since his U17 days. He donned the green jersey for the U20 national team that took the bronze in the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup and was also a part of the U23 team that won gold in the 2012 summer Olympics.
Rising rapidly through the ranks of juniors, Reyes made his senior team debut in 2011 and since then, he has gone on to represent Mexico in over 50 international matches. Having played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as well as the prestigious FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and 2017, he has been a regular for the Mexican side. Despite initially being named in the team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he had to miss out due to a hamstring injury.
Strengths
Reyes is an intelligent defender, who is known for his positional awareness on the green lush. His powerful displays often keep the opposition strikers in check. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is a solid yet commanding presence at the back.
Reyes is also considered to be strong when it comes to aerial duels and he often ends up winning most of those encounters.
Adaptable player
Reyes moved to FC Porto in 2013, where he was juggled between their first-team and reserves team for the initial two seasons. Following that, he was loaned out to Real Sociedad (2015/16) and Espanyol (2016/17). Both these stints turned out to be fruitful ones for him as he proved his worth, ending up as regular for both the Spanish clubs.
After his impressive run in Spain, he was called back to FC Porto. He played 26 matches in the 2017/18 season and even went on to score three goals for the Portuguese heavyweights.
Also Read: Has Rafa Benitez just struck gold with the imminent arrival of this 29-year-old for Newcastle?
Verdict
Newcastle United will make an intelligent move if they secure a deal for Reyes. Having already signed free agent Ki Sung-yueng a few weeks back, the addition of Reyes will only make the squad a stronger one going into the Premier League.
