Why Newcastle signing Jacob Greaves would be a shrewd move
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Newcastle United are among a number of clubs chasing highly-rated Hull City defender Jacob Greaves in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old centre-back has caught the eye for the Tigers in League One this season, prompting several Championship clubs to weigh up a move for the youngster. However, it has been claimed that Greaves could end up earning a direct route to the Premier League with Newcastle vying for his signature. (h/t Telegraph)
Born in Cottingham, Greaves rose through the youth ranks of Hull City and represented the club across various age-group levels. He was loaned out to Cheltenham Town in 2019 after signing a new contract at the KCOM Stadium. The centre-back made a positive impression for the League Two outfit last term, tallying 35 appearances in all competitions.
Greaves has benefitted from Hull’s relegation to the third tier at the end of last season. His impressive loan spell at Cheltenham has convinced manager Grant McCann to accommodate the defender as a regular starter in League One this term. The 20-year-old has started 12 out of the club’s 19 league fixtures so far, having made his debut in a 3-0 win over Rochdale back in October. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are currently overloaded in the centre-back department with competition for places high in Steve Bruce’s setup. However, with question marks over the future of several players, the Magpies should look to reshape their backline with an eye on the future.
Ciaran Clark (31), Fabian Schar (29) and Federico Fernandez (31) are all out of contract at the end of the season. Paul Dummett has also struggled with injuries this season. Considering that Jamal Lascelles is the youngest centre-back in the ranks at 27, it goes without saying that Newcastle need to freshen things up at the back with some young blood.
Putting things into perspective, Jacob Greaves ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door at Newcastle as a good long-term signing. The 20-year-old has proven his worth in League One this season after excelling on loan at Cheltenham in the fourth-tier last term.
He might not be an immediate game-changer for the Magpies during the second half of the season in the Premier League. But with so many accomplished players in the ranks, Steve Bruce would have the luxury of gradually phasing Greaves into the mix if a January move to Tyneside does materialise.
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Verdict
Suffice to say, Newcastle completing a deal for Jacob Greaves would add some much-needed youthful exuberance to their ageing backline. The centre-back has already started to deliver on his potential and still has plenty of room for development at 20.
Whether or not he is capable of making an immediate step-up to the top-flight remains to be seen, however. Nonetheless, Greaves would be more than worth a punt for the Magpies if he is available for a decent price this month.
