Umut Meras has made 7 appearances for Turkey (Image credit: Google)
As per Turkish outlet Fotomac (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in signing Le Havre defender Umut Meras in the summer.
Meras, 24, came through the ranks of Sariyer and Yesilkoy’s youth system in his homeland, Turkey. He moved to Boluspor in September 2014 and made 92 appearances for them, racking up just 2 goals and 5 assists in 4 years with the Turkish outfit.
He was signed by Bursaspor in the summer of 2018 and featured in 27 league games for the club before moving to French Ligue 2 side Le Havre last August. However, he has not been at his best since his move to France. The report also suggests that FC Porto and Arsenal are also keeping track of the left-back.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign so far. Currently 13th in the table, Steve Bruce’s men have been inconsistent in almost every department and they have failed as a unit.
One of the chief reasons for their downfall is the lack of consistency in front of goal. Newcastle have managed just 25 goals in 29 games, which is the joint-lowest in the league so far. And thus, it is clear that they need to bring in reinforcements to their attacking unit.
Apart from attacking reinforcements, the manager should also strengthen at left-back given the lack of depth in the position.
They have had to play winger Matt Ritchie at left-back for most of the 2019/20 campaign. Jetro Willems was brought in the summer on loan and the Dutchman had done a decent job before picking up a major injury. He has racked up 2 goals and 2 assists so far.
Danny Rose was also signed on loan in January. But he hasn’t been able to showcase his talent as the league got suspended.
However, making a move for Meras wouldn’t be an ideal signing by Newcastle. Newcastle should look to make a permanent move for Willems, who has done a good job so far or for Rose, who has immense experience in the Premier League. Meras, though, should not be an option for the Magpies, considering his lack of attacking output.
Last season, the Turkish international contributed with just 2 goals and no assists in the Super Lig. He has also found it difficult this term with Le Havre, managing just 1 assist in 22 Ligue 2 games. As a modern-day left-back, he would not be effective for Newcastle on the left side of the defence.
Though it is clear that Newcastle are in dire need of a left-back, Meras’ form doesn’t make him suitable the best option for the Magpies. Instead, they should make a move for an in-form player or latch on to the players on loan by handing a permanent deal.
