Guillermo Maripan (Image credit: Google)
As per Chilean outlet CDF (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in signing Monaco star Guillermo Maripan ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Chilean could leave the French outfit this summer but Monaco won’t sell for less €20m. However, the Magpies could face competition to secure his services as Portuguese outfit Benfica also keen on signing him.
Born in Chile, Maripan came through the ranks of CDU Catolica’s youth system in his homeland. He made 69 appearances with the club’s senior set-up and helped them with two Chilean League titles before joining Deportivo Alaves in August 2017.
Though he struggled for regular game time in his debut season in Spain, he immediately established himself as a key member of the squad in the following campaign. But he fell victim to injury towards the end of the 2018/19 season and moved to Monaco last summer. He made 24 appearances in all competitions before football in France was called off due to the pandemic.
The 26-year-old has also been capped 24 times by Chile since making his debut in July 2017 and he helped the nation reach the semifinals if the Copa America last year.
Apart from their attacking woes last season, Newcastle’s defence also was below the standards. The Magpies conceded 58 goals in the league and failed miserably despite having plenty of central defenders in their ranks.
Federico Fernandez was the only regular starter last season with Ciaran Clark and Fabian Schar playing supportive roles. Paul Dummett and club captain Jamaal Lascelles were out of action for long periods due to injuries and Florian Lejeune has failed to convince the manager for a role in the team.
The Magpies are willing to sell Schar and Lejeune, as per Chronicle Live and if they end up leaving, Steve Bruce should consider bringing in reinforcements to the backline. In that regard, Maripan would be a viable option for the club.
The Chilean has been consistent in the last few years, except for his injuries. His inclusion to Bruce’s backline would help in maintaining the squad depth, whilst also bringing in healthy competition. And he can also go on to represent them in the long run if he is able to keep himself away from injuries and perform at his best.
With Schar and Lejeune’s future at the club uncertain, it would be wise if Newcastle bring in a new centre-back. They have also struggled with injuries to the key player and thus, making a move for Maripan can prove to be smart move next season. He would provide them with some much-needed quality at the back.
