LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Jairo Riedewald of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle were linked with a move for Jairo Riedewald during his Ajax days. The Crystal Palace midfielder has been in good form this season and is seen as an option that the Magpies can pursue. His contract ends at the end of this season.
It’s rather surprising that a side like Newcastle has only one recognised defensive midfielder in Isaac Hayden. While the Longstaff brothers are capable of playing in a deeper role, they are more suited to playing further forward.
The likes of Jeff Hendrick and Jonjo Shelvey are not suited to playing in a defensive midfield role. That leaves the squad a bit short in that area in general and also in case Hayden needs to be rested or gets injured. Adding another player in that position should be on the priority list for Steve Bruce.
Jairo Riedewald has shown strong signs of promise after a difficult first couple of seasons at Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old broke into Roy Hodgson’s plans towards the back end of the previous campaign and seems to have cemented his place as a regular starter for the Eagles this term. Comfortable playing as a centre-back and a left-back, meaning he’s a player who can offer Bruce some valuable cover in multiple areas.
Riedewald might not be the most dazzling player at Palace but he offers a lot in terms of squad depth and versatility. If Newcastle are really looking for defensive reinforcements and at a decent price, the Palace man might be their best option to look into.
He has been used as a defensive midfielder this season which would be Newcastle’s immediate requirement. Let’s not forget that his contract is up at the end of the season, which means a cut-price deal could be worked out between the two Premier League sides.
This is a deal that can pay off massively for Newcastle because not only is Riedewald versatile, he can be a long-term solution to their problems.