Rogerio (Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United have targeted Sassuolo youngster Rogerio in a bid to bolster their backline ahead of the new campaign.
With Newcastle’s takeover failing it remains to be seen if Steve Bruce is able to get his transfer targets. Earlier, the Daily Mail suggested that the Brazilian is on top of their list of targets.
Born in Brazil, Rogerio began his journey with Sport Club Internacional in his homeland before joining Sassuolo’s U19 side. A few months later, he was signed for Juventus’ U19 squad but couldn’t break into the Italian champions’ senior team and was sent back to Mapei Stadium on loan before he made the switch permanent last summer.
He was brilliant in the 2018/19 campaign for the Black and Greens and featured regularly but his progress was hampered last season. He fell victim to a major injury and missed the majority of the last campaign but returned since the restart and performed well.
At the moment, Matt Ritchie is the only option available at left-back for the Magpies. Dutchman Jetro Willems was signed last summer on loan and he returned to Germany before his loan spell came to an end due to an injury that kept him out of action for several months.
Danny Rose was signed last January to fill in the void but the Englishman also returned to North London once his spell came to an end last month. This leaves the Toon with only Ritchie at left-back. However, he has also been linked with a move elsewhere and his departure could put the Magpies in trouble. Thus, they should consider signing a left-back this summer.
In that regard, Rogerio would be a fantastic option for the Tyneside outfit. The Brazilian has been in fine form in the last couple of seasons and could be seen as a perfect replacement for the departing Ritchie. The Brazilian is capable of operating form any position on the left side of the pitch and his nature of play could come in handy for the manager.
Moreover, he is just 22 and still has a lot of room for development.
With Ritchie’s departure, the Magpies would be left without a left-back and could face problems next season without a natural full-back. Thus, they should manage to lure Rogerio to St. James’ Park this summer. And he could go on to represent them in the future if he is able to continue with the same form.
