Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in Galatasaray cenre-back Marcao
According to reports in Turkey (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Galatasaray centre-back Marcao as the Magpies look to make some fresh additions to their squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
As per the report, the 24-year-old has also attracted interest from several Italian clubs but Newcastle are the ones to have shown a serious interest in the Brazilian star. Newcastle have convinced Marcao to move to the North East of England this summer but Galatasaray are looking for a fee in the region of €17m to part ways with their prized asset.
Born in Londrina, Brazil, Marcao rose through the youth ranks of Avai in his homeland and shot to prominence with Atletico Paranaense in the domestic league.
The 24-year-old made his mark in the Portuguese top-flight with Rio Ave FC and GD Chaves, making a combined 49 appearances across all competitions.
Marcao was snapped up by Galatasaray back in January 2019 and the centre-back quickly established himself as a regular fixture at his new club, guiding the Turkish giants to the 2018-19 Super Lig crown.
He retained his role as a regular starter under Fatih Terim last term, featuring 39 times in all competitions, whilst also impressing in the group stages of the Champions League.
Newcastle are yet to strike any major deals this summer, with Jeff Hendrick coming through the door on a free transfer as the only significant addition to their squad.
The Magpies scored only 38 goals en route to their 13th-place finish in the Premier League last term, which was the fourth-worst scoring record in the entire division. Hence, it’s pretty clear that Steve Bruce needs to bolster his attack, especially with Dwight Gayle currently on the treatment table.
In fact, Newcastle need to bring in reinforcements at the other end of the pitch as well, considering that they shipped 58 goals in the league last season.
On the face of it, the Magpies aren’t really short of cover in their central defensive unit, with Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar, Florian Lejuene, and Paul Dummett all competing for places in the starting eleven.
However, it might not be a bad idea for Bruce to reshuffle his options at the back following Newcastle’s dismal defensive record in the previous campaign.
Lejuene has struggled to make a big impact at St.James’ Park due to his struggles with injuries and the Magpies need to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later. Lascelles, Dummett and Schar all had their fair share of injury issues following the restart in June, so a new centre-back could be exactly what Newcastle need this summer.
To put things into perspective, Marcao might not be a household name in Europe but he could be a good fit at Tyneside if the Brazilian’s promising displays in Turkey and Portugal are anything to go by.
The 24-year-old looks more than capable of providing Bruce with some valuable cover at the back while also ensuring healthy competition for places. Newcastle can’t afford another injury crisis at the back like they had towards the end of last season, with fixtures set to come thick and fast next term until Christmas due to the delayed start.
Newcastle need to get rid of some of the deadwood in their ranks to make room for a promising young defender like Marcao. The Brazilian still has his best years ahead of him and early signs suggest that he could well be an excellent long-term investment for the Magpies.