Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce reacts on the touchline (Getty Images)
According to Foot Mercato (h/t The Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in £10 million-rated PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo. Lyon are also understood to be in running for the 20-year-old.
Cody Gakpo, 20, has notched four goals and five assists in 18 Eredivisie appearances this season. He is one of the country’s biggest talents and now appears to have added end product to his game. With the young gun enjoying an impressive season with PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle United must do everything to their powers to beat Lyon to Gakpo’s signature this month.
The Magpies once again showed their inconsistency in recent weeks and have slipped to 13th in the league standings. They were looking good mid-way through the season by staying in the top half of the table but haven’t managed to cling to that spot due to a lack of quality and depth in the squad. Steve Bruce has a lot of work to do this month and he must bring in reinforcements to ensure the club retains the top-flight status.
While stability at the back has undoubtedly been one of the hallmarks of Newcastle’s style of play under Bruce, a tally of just 21 goals scored in 22 games is concerning and the manager should emphasize sorting out his attack before touching other areas of the pitch. The Toon’s forwards haven’t performed consistently this season, resulting in lack of creativity and goals.
A winger must be Bruce’s first priority since they have lacked depth in the wider areas. Allan Saint-Maximin looked to have picked up form after a slow start to life in the Premier League but an injury put him on the sidelines for quite a long time than expected. Though the Frenchman will be back in a few weeks’ time, adding a wide player is crucial this month and Newcastle must go for Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo has come through PSV’s academy and broken into the Dutch side’s senior team – clocking up 51 appearances in total. He has had an instant impact, scoring seven goals and supplying 14 assists in that time. He’s a fresh talent and while the youngster is a left-winger by trade, he’s capable of playing on the right flank.
The Dutchman loves to cut inside from the left and have a pop at goal whenever given a chance. Gakpo has a rasping shot on his right foot and is more than capable of delivering delightful crosses in the box for the strikers to feed upon. The video below showcases his ability to stretch defences, create chances for his teammates and score goals.
Gakpo’s spatial awareness and decision making in the final third simply belie his age. A player with such high potential, Newcastle would bag a bargain if they manage to get their icy hands on the Dutchman.