Macauley Bonne (Getty Images)
Back in December 2019, a report from talkSPORT (h/t Leicestershire Live) had mentioned Newcastle United among the potential suitors for Macauley Bonne, who was plying his trade with Charlton Athletic back then.
Premier League rivals Leicester City, as well as Fulham, had also been linked with the Zimbabwean international, but the Magpies were understood to be at the front of the queue for the striker. However, nothing came to fruition and Bonne eventually joined QPR this past summer following Charlton’s relegation from the Championship.
Bonne made over 80 appearances for Colchester United earlier in his career, featuring in League One and League Two. He joined Leyton Orient in the National League in 2017 and fired the club to back to the Football League with a 23-goal haul in 2018-19. The African’s prolific form was rewarded with a move to the second-tier with newly-promoted Charlton.
The 25-year-old initially struggled for game time at the Valley but finished the 2019-20 campaign on a high with an impressive tally of 11 goals and 2 assists in 33 league appearances. That wasn’t enough to keep the Addicks in the Championship but Bonne did enough to earn an escape route with a move to QPR.
The Zimbabwean has struggled to make a big impression at Loftus Road, however. Bonne has found himself restricted to a bit-part role in West London, starting just 5 fixtures for the club in the Championship so far this season.
Newcastle United should consider reigniting their interest in Macauley Bonne ahead of the January window. The Ipswich-born striker is currently down the pecking order at QPR and the Magpies should fancy their chances of nabbing him for a decent price next month.
Newcastle can certainly do with some additional firepower during the mid-season trading period. The Magpies have managed just 17 goals in 14 games so far, meaning Steve Bruce’s side will need to achieve a better scoring record in the coming months if they are to challenge for a top-ten spot.
A look at the bigger picture reveals that Callum Wilson has scored 8 of the club’s 17 league goals so far. With Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Andy Carroll all struggling for consistency, Newcastle should definitely look to reshape their attack. Bonne, to that end, ticks plenty of boxes at St. James’ Park.
The 25-year-old showed strong signs of promise at Charlton in the Championship last term, hitting double digits in the goals column for a struggling side. Bonne’s returns in the second-tier underline his ability to make the step up to more competitive surroundings. At 25, he still potentially has his best years ahead of him.
Macauley Bonne has made significant improvements to his game over the past couple of seasons, with his diminished role at QPR largely down to tactical reasons. He looks capable of making the step up to the Premier League in due course of time. Having said that, Newcastle shouldn’t hesitate to take a punt on the Zimbabwean in January.