Why Newcastle should return for Dimitris Giannoulis in January

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle were linked with Dimitris Giannoulis last summer. A left-back was the club’s priority but no deal could be worked out. It is said that PAOK wanted about £4million for the player. Newcastle ended their pursuit of the player and signed Jamal Lewis instead.

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Dimitris Giannoulis started his professional career with lower-division club Vataniakos in his homeland before being snapped up by PAOK back in 2014. Loan spells at Pierikos and Veria in Greece were followed by a temporary stint at Anorthosis in Cyprus before the left-back returned to his homeland and spent 18 months at Atromitos.

Giannoulis established himself as a regular for Atromitos in the Greek top-flight and was named in the 2017-18 Super League Team of the Year. The 24-year-old was eventually recalled from his loan spell and handed his professional debut for PAOK during the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.

The 11-cap Greek international registered a goal and 6 assists in 44 appearances for PAOK across all competitions last season (source – Transfermarkt).

Giannoulis would add depth to Newcastle’s defence

While Newcastle did manage to add another left-back after they signed Jamal Lewis, they still lack depth in that area. Matt Ritchie is the only other natural left-back in the squad but even he is out with an injury for an unknown period of time. With fixtures coming thick and fast, it is imperative that the club should sign another player to compete with Jamal Lewis.

Dimitris Giannoulis would be a good option for Newcastle to revisit in January. An experienced man in Greece as well as Europe, he will provide good cover for Lewis. Over the last few years, Giannoulis has been making a mark in top-flight football and impressed in his stints for the Greek sides.

Giannoulis could provide the Magpies with some long-term stability at left-back if he manages to get to grips with the English game. This is something Bruce should be looking at. He also has experience of playing at left wing-back.

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The difference between the Premier League and the Greek top-flight is massive, both in terms of competition and intensity. Hence, there is a fair element of risk involved in this move. But Newcastle shouldn’t hesitate to strike a deal for Dimitris Giannoulis if they genuinely believe he is capable of thriving in England.