Why Newcastle United should plot a move for AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu
According to a report from the Chronicle, Newcastle United have extensively scouted AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu this season.
Hakan Calhanoglu, 26, arrived in Italy from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2017. He has played 23 league games for AC Milan this season, scoring thrice and assisting once. He hasn’t been consistent at all this term, with the Italian outfit lying 7th in the table.
The Turkish international has been scouted by Newcastle United throughout the season (h/t Chronicle) and even though he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at the San Siro, the Premier League outfit must attempt to sign him during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies have struggled to score goals this term, hitting the net just 25 times in their 29 Premier League games to date. Striker Joelinton was bought from Hoffenheim for a club-record £40m last summer but he has failed to deliver the goods in his debut Premier League campaign. Plus, Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto are yet to contribute a league goal this term.
Not only scoring goals but a lack of creativity has also been a concern for Steve Bruce, with not a single player consistent enough to assist the strikers. That clearly showcases Newcastle’s issues and Bruce must address it in the summer. Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin have been the rare bright sparks, contributing with four goals and three assists combined.
Having said that, the Magpies boss should look to ease the burden off the shoulders of Almiron and Saint-Maximin by signing a creative midfielder. And hence, Newcastle must sign Hakan Calhanoglu.
The AC Milan star is an attacking midfielder by trade but he can play in an advanced role in the midfield three and even on the left flank. Such versatility would make him a big asset to Newcastle. Calhanoglu may have not hit the heights that were expected at Milan but he is still a quality player, as evident from his track record so far.
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At 26, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man is now entering the prime of his career and should test himself in the highly-demanding Premier League. He would add quality and would bring competition to the squad as well.
Verdict
Considering Newcastle’s long-standing problems regarding creativity this season, Bruce should sign a creative midfielder to ease his team’s woes and hence, he should sign Hakan Calhanoglu.
