Newcastle United Opinion: Mario Fernandes would be a massive upgrade on Yedlin and Manquillo
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are interested in signing right-back Mario Fernandes from Russian Premier League giants CSKA Moscow in the summer transfer window, with manager Rafael Benitez reportedly looking to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Daily Mail understands that the Magpies are weighing up an audacious £26 million swoop for the 28-year-old Russian international, who played a key role in his nation’s march to the quarter-finals of the World Cup last summer.
The same source claims that Newcastle are likely to face stiff competition from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the Brazil-born right-back.
Fernandes has been a mainstay at the back for CSKA Moscow over the last seven years since making his switch from Brazilian club Gremio back in 2012. The 28-year-old followed up his heroics at the World Cup with another fruitful campaign for CSKA in the Russian top-flight, contributing with a goal and 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
The 16-cap Russian international boasts of a jaw-dropping record for the Russian giants, having accumulated a total of 3 goals and 40 assists in 235 appearances across all competitions till date.
Fernandes is regarded as one of the best full-backs outside the top five leagues in Europe and, at 28, the time might just be right for him to announce himself on the bigger stage, with Newcastle and Atletico interested in offering him a chance to shine at the highest level.
A sharp, agile and technically-gifted full-back, Fernandes is also capable of operating as a winger further up the pitch and boasts of all the necessary attributes of a modern-day offensive-minded defender. A tireless worker down the flanks, Fernandes covers every blade of grass on the pitch, whilst also being strong on the tackle.
The 28-year-old excels with his ability to read the transitions in play to perfection, which allows him to shoulder attacking and defensive responsibilities with equal effectiveness.
Calm and composed in possession and blessed with an intricate first-touch, the right-back also has a keen for key passes in the final third, whilst also possessing the ability to link-up with his teammates and create chances with his crossing. Plus, his incredible aerial ability and good work-ethics should make him a perfect fit for the English game.
Fernandes averages 1.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 2.8 aerial duels,1.5 clearances, 1.5 key passes and 1.1 successful long balls per game in the Russian Premier League, figures which speak volumes of his well-rounded attributes as a right-back.
To put things into perspective, Newcastle could bag a massive coup if they manage to fend off interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and win the race to sign the talented full-back in the summer. The Magpies are currently not short of options at right-back but the acquisition of Mario Fernandes could be looked upon as a massive statement of intent from the Toon army.
DeAndre Yedlin has been the first-choice right-back for the Magpies for the past three campaigns but the former Spurs man has not done an awful lot to justify his inclusion.
With Benitez favouring a back-three system with two wing-backs, Yedlin has made himself look like a liability at the back, whilst also leaving much to be desired in terms of his final ball in the attacking third.
Former Liverpool man Javier Manquillo has looked pretty ordinary when called into action and one cannot help but feel that Mario Fernandes would be a massive upgrade on Newcastle’s existing right-back options. Also, the Russian’s versatility to play as a wing-back should appeal to the Magpies.
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Suffice to say, Newcastle need better players to challenge for a top-ten finish in the Premier League next term and Fernandes has the quality to help the Magpies reach greater heights in the top-flight. That said, they should go all out in their pursuit of the World Cup star this summer.
