Patrick van Aanholt (Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in signing Crystal Palace star Patrick van Aanholt in the summer.
Once on the books of Chelsea, Van Aanholt, 29, spent several seasons on loan during his time at Chelsea before making the jump to Sunderland in the summer of 2014. He impressed in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Black Cats, making 95 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace in January 2017.
Since his move to Selhurst Park, the Dutchman has been the first-choice left-back for the Eagles and has been consistent over the last few years. Despite Palace not performing at their best, Van Aanholt has been reliable at the back. Thus, Newcastle should attempt to secure his services this summer.
The Magpies have endured another disappointing campaign. Though they are in 13th position in the league standings, they have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. Since December, Steve Bruce’s side have struggled to enter into the top half of the league table.
Their campaign since the restart neither has been successful, as Newcastle have managed to win just 2 of their last 8 league games. Considering this, the manager needs to bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to do better and progress in the near future.
One key area the manager should focus on strengthening is the backline. The Magpies have conceded 55 goals so far, which is among the worst defensive records in the league. At the moment, there are only two left-backs available at the manager’s disposal. Matt Ritchie struggled with an ankle injury for the majority of the campaign and Danny Rose was signed in January on loan.
Dutch international Jetro Willems, who was bought last summer, returned to his parent club after his spell was cut short due to a major injury. And this has left them with less quality on the left side of the defence.
In that regard, signing Van Aanholt would be a good option for the club. The former Chelsea man has been a consistent member at the back for the Eagles despite the club having a poor run of form. He has made over 350 career appearances, with most of them coming in English football. His experience could come in handy for the manager.
30-year-old Ritchie has been mainly used in midfield and with Rose only on loan at the club, Van Aanholt’s inclusion to Bruce’s squad would make sense. He would definitely add some much-needed quality to the squad and could be their first-choice left-back if Rose’s move is not made permanent.
With limited options on the left side of the defence, it is clear that Newcastle are in dire need of a left-backs. Thus, they should make a move for Van Aanholt, who still has a few more years left to play at the top level.
