Why Newcastle United really need a striker like Odsonne Edouard
As per Daily Star (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United have identified Celtic star Odsonne Edouard as their top summer transfer target.
Edouard, 22, came through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system and joined Celtic initially on loan before sealing a club-record £9m move. Since his arrival at Celtic Park, he has been excellent and has already scored 27 goals in 45 games across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and have slipped to 13th position in the league table despite staying in the top half of the table until Christmas. They have not been at their best despite making several signings last summer.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce also failed to make permanent signings in January which would have boosted their confidence, especially to their attacking unit. One of the main reasons for their poor performance is the lack of goals. They have managed only 25 goals so far, which is the lowest in the league this season.
Summer signing Joelinton has scored just one goal in 29 games and it doesn’t sound good for a player who was at his best last season. Andy Carroll has been sidelined for the majority of the campaign due to a back injury and Yoshinori Muto has seen limited game time. Former Crystal Palace man Dwight Gayle has also failed to impress.
Most of Newcastle’s goals have come from the midfield department and therefore, Bruce should bring in an established striker who is in-form at the moment. In that case, Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard would be the perfect choice for the club.
After scoring 22 goals last campaign, Edouard has netted 27 this term and has gone from strength to strength, helping them soar to the top of the Premiership table. He could be a good addition to the Magpies squad given his goalscoring prowess.
Joelinton has struggled to score goals without much support from wingers Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, who have just 3 assists collectively.
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Verdict
Steve Bruce has a lot of work to do in the summer and has to bring in reinforcements if he wants to take Newcastle forward. They have been outnumbered in terms of goals by all the teams, including the ones in the relegation zone.
Therefore, they should make a prompt attempt to bring in Edouard before the start of the next season.
