Martin Skrtel
According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Newcastle United have held talks over a deal with Fenerbahce defender Martin Skrtel.
The Slovakian centre-back, 34, has yet to commit his commit his future at Fenerbahce and is said to be in talks with Newcastle, along with Parma and Rangers.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will hope to strengthen his squad during the summer after a 13-place finish in the Premier League. Interest in Martin Skrtel suggests defensive recruits are on the agenda of Benitez, whose future remains in limbo amidst the club’s takeover.
The Spanish tactician’s future has become even more pressing by the hour and after the Bin Zayed Group become the new owners of Newcastle, they must secure Benitez’s future. The next step will be to fully back Benitez in the transfer market and provide him with the tools he needs to shape up his squad for a top-half finish next term.
Benitez knows Martin Skrtel very well, having managed the Slovakian at Liverpool. In fact, he was the manager of Liverpool in 2008 when the then 23-year-old Skrtel signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Anfield. Thus, Newcastle’s interest in the veteran defender indeed has some weight.
Benitez has a plethora of central defensive options at his disposal, with the likes of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez, Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark all playing some part in the Magpies’ 13-placed finish this past season. Yet, they leaked 48 goals in the Premier League which is a lot considering the manager opted for a back five.
Thus, there clearly is something missing in defence that made Newcastle brittle despite lining up with five defenders for the majority of the 2018/19 campaign. That could be strengthened with the signing of Skrtel, who regardless at 34, has shown he can still offer something at the highest level.
The tough-tackling defender spent close to a decade with Liverpool and his rich Premier League experience will be invaluable for a team like Newcastle. The Slovakian international is a no-nonsense, physical and rough centre-back, who is dominant in the air and never shies away from flying into challenges.
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The potential acquisition of Skrtel would undoubtedly bolster the Magpies’ defensive ranks and also add depth to the squad. He would represent a solid option to have in the squad, a vocal leader Benitez’s squad are in dire need of.
If Skrtel can stay away from injuries, the deal would represent a coup for Benitez and the Magpies.