Why Newcastle United should have beaten Lazio to sign Milan Badelj

Newcastle’s stand-off has been threatening to derail the club’s recruitment this summer. Rafa Benitez finds himself in a familiar position yet again, as the Magpies are lacking funds this summer. The Spaniard desperately needs to strengthen his squad and also improve the training ground and academy pitches.

However, Newcastle United have missed a golden opportunity to sign Milan Badelj for free. The talented Croat’s contract with Fiorentina had expired, following which he chose to join Lazio. The Tyneside outfit were linked with a move for Badelj but it looks like they must search for options elsewhere.

As things stand, Newcastle manager Benitez is operating on a sell-to-buy or loan-only policy. Indeed, before Schar’s £3million arrival from Deportivo, the club only managed to sign Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal and Ki-Sung Yeung on a free transfer. In addition, Kenedy has rejoined the Magpies on loan from Chelsea.

Nevertheless, Milan Badelj could have been a perfect fit for Newcastle, given the situation. A cost-free deal to strengthen the squad with the 29-year-old would have worked wonders. The World Cup runner-up made 102 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists during his four-year stay.

Badelj came through Dinamo Zagred’s youth ranks. He made his debut for Zagreb in 2007 and can play as a central midfielder and a defensive midfielder. He may lack Premier League experience but Badelj has the required talent which could have allowed him to slot seamlessly into Newcastle’s midfield. The midfielder, who was declared Man of the Match in Croatia’s game against Iceland in the World Cup, has 42 caps for his country Croatia.

Badelj is excellent when it comes to passing, recording a success rate of 83.2% at Fiorentina last season and 89.2% at the World Cup. His ball interception skills would have added grit to Newcastle’s midfield, protecting the defence behind him.

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Wrapping a deal for the player who has played in the Serie A, Bundesliga, Champions League and Europa League should have been a priority for Newcastle. After all, the ball-playing midfielder could have provided Newcastle’s other attack-minded minded players with a free license to roam forward and express themselves.

Considering the circumstances, the Tynesiders will regret not signing Badelj this summer.