Why Newcastle should sign Rodrigo Vilca as long-term prospect

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are closing in on a £250,000 deal to sign highly-rated Peruvian playmaker Rodrigo Vilca from Deportivo Municipal.

However, the 21-year-old could be loaned out initially to gain more experience, with Newcastle fearing that he lacks the physicality to thrive in the Premier League just yet. (h/t Daily Mail)

Profile

Born in Lima, Peru, Rodrigo Vilca rose through the youth ranks of Deportivo Municipal and initially featured for the club’s reserve side. The talented attacking midfielder made his senior debut for his boyhood club during the 2019 edition of the Peruvian Primera Division, featuring 13 times in the league. 

The 21-year-old has made a bright start to the ongoing campaign, scoring three goals and laying on another three assists in 10 appearances. Vilca’s stellar run of form in his homeland has earned him a call-up to Peru’s senior international side, although he is yet to earn his first cap.

Newcastle could benefit from Vilca’s potential 

Newcastle have already made some statement signings this summer after finishing 13th in the Premier League last season. Ryan Fraser has arrived on a free transfer at Tyneside to reunite with his former Bournemouth teammate Callum Wilson. 

Jeff Hendrick has come through the door for free to bolster the midfield while young left-back Jamal Lewis has been roped in from Norwich City to bolster the backline. Suffice to say, the Magpies have made some useful additions to all three departments and it’s time now for them to bring in some players with one eye on the future.

Rodrigo Vilca is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in his homeland, as indicated by his national team call-up at such a young age. And, Newcastle completing a deal for him would be a smart long-term investment. 

The youngster has only made a handful of senior appearances for Deportivo Municipal – one of the biggest clubs in Peru. He might not be capable of making an instant impact in English football, but Vilca is still only 21 and has time on his side to make significant improvements to his game moving forward. 

A loan spell, preferably in one of the lower leagues in Europe, should act as a stepping stone for him to get used to the demands of playing in the continent. That would make a transition to the Premier League a lot easier and smoother as far as the Peruvian starlet is concerned.

Read more

• Why Newcastle should not pursue a move for Odysseas Vlachodimos
• Why Guillermo Maripan to Newcastle United would bolster their defence

Verdict

Rodrigo Vilca is not quite the finished article capable of breaking into Steve Bruce’s first-team this season. However, he seems to have the makings of evolving into a quality player at the highest level with a fair bit of polishing, thus making him a good long-term signing for Newcastle.