Why Newcastle United should re-sign Jetro Willems
According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle United have been offered the chance to re-sign former ace, Jetro Willems. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and could be signed by Newcastle in January itself. However, with money tight with the Magpies, the deal might just be pushed to next season.
Willems is a proven performer at Newcastle
The Dutchman was loaned out to Newcastle United ahead of the 2019-20 season and quickly established himself as a regular fixture under Steve Bruce at Tyneside. Willems bagged 2 goals and 2 assists in 19 PL outings for the Magpies, including an absolute stunner against eventual champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Jetro Willems was arguably one of Newcastle’s best players during the first half of the previous campaign despite the team’s inconsistent form in the Premier League. The Dutch international proved himself to be a tailor-made fit for the rough-and-tough nature of the English top-flight with his powerful physique and ability to contribute equally at both ends of the pitch.
He was pretty much an undisputed starter under Steve Bruce before the terrible knee injury spelt a premature end to his loan spell. However, Willems showed enough promise to convince that he is more than capable of making a big impact in the Premier League, provided he stays fit.
Newcastle still need another left-back
Summer signing Jamal Lewis has, of course, made a positive impression following his move to St. James’ Park from relegated Norwich City. The youngster has started 11 league fixtures so far this season but is yet to register a goal or an assist. Lewis has been touted for a bright future but is yet to evolve into a finished article.
Newcastle should, therefore, look to bring in a quality understudy to compete with Lewis for a place on the left-hand side of the backline. Matt Ritchie (31) and Paul Dummett (29) have both struggled with injuries, and haven’t really done an awful lot over the past 12 months. Hence, the door remains open for Jetro Willems to make a return to the club at the end of the season.
Willems boasts an excellent profile for a player aged just 26, having already accumulated close to 300 club career appearances.
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The left-back showed his quality and experience in the Premier League last season and there is no reason why Newcastle shouldn’t offer him a return next summer if he recovers from his injury. Willems still has several years remaining in his prime and would be a real coup for the Magpies on a free transfer.
