Why Newcastle should go all out for Guillermo Maripan in January

Back in September, a report from Chilean outlet CDF (h/t Chronicle Live) had mentioned Newcastle United among the potential suitors for Monaco defender Guillermo Maripan. Portuguese giants Benfica were also understood to be in the race to sign the centre-back, with Monaco quoting an asking price of €20m. 

However, Maripan eventually ended up staying put at his current club after negotiations failed to reach a positive conclusion.

Profile

A youth exponent of Chilean club Universidad Catolica, Guillermo Maripan made 69 appearances in all competitions before earning a move to Europe with Spanish outfit Deportivo Alaves in the summer of 2017. The defender played a bit-part role in his debut season but established himself as an integral member of the squad in the following campaign, starting 22 times in the La Liga.

Maripan was snapped up by Monaco in 2019 and the centre-back started 20 games in Ligue 1 last term. However, the 26-year-old has suffered a significant fall from grace at Monaco this term after being restricted to just three substitute cameos off the bench so far. 

A full international for Chile since 2017, Maripan has been capped on 24 occasions by his nation and was a part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the Copa America last year.

Maripan would add more quality to Newcastle’s backline

Newcastle conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season and have continued to struggle at the back this term as well, shipping 15 goals in 10 league fixtures so far. The Magpies did bring in Jamal Lewis from Norwich City to bolster their left-back department in the summer but Steve Bruce still has a few issues to sort out in central defence.

With Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez all out of contract next summer, Newcastle need to line up some alternatives to try and reshape their backline in January. Florian Lejeune’s future at Tyneside also remains up in the air after the Frenchman was farmed out on loan in the summer. 

Putting things into context, Newcastle reigniting interest in Guillermo Maripan would go a long way towards helping them overcome their defensive struggles. The 6ft 4in Chilean powerhouse has proven his credentials in France and Spain and looks more than ready to make his mark in the English top-flight. 

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Verdict

The 26-year-old’s inclusion in the mix would help Newcastle rebuild their options at the heart of the defence, whilst also ensuring healthy competition for places. Maripan still potential has his best years ahead of him as a centre-back, thus making him worth a significant outlay for the Magpies. With the Chilean struggling for game time at Monaco this season, the Magpies should surely make a renewed attempt to lure him to Tyneside when the market reopens in January.