Wilfried Zaha celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)
Former English striker Darren Bent has urged Newcastle United to make a move for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in the summer, as per Football Insider (h/t Daily Star).
Zaha, 27, is a product of Crystal Palace’s youth academy. After impressing in the 2012/13 season, he was signed by Manchester United. However, the winger couldn’t make an impact at Old Trafford. He was sent on loan back to Selhurst Park before joining them permanently in the summer of 2015.
Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best wingers in the league. He was also instrumental in guiding his side to the FA Cup final against United in 2016/17. He has also got immense experience in the league and thus, Newcastle United should make a move for him this summer.
Steve Bruce’s men have failed to progress after a good start to the campaign. After just 2 wins out of their last 11 league games, they currently find themselves at 13th position in the league standings. Their season could get worse if they don’t perform well when the league resumes.
One of the major reasons for their downfall is the lack of consistency in front of goal. The Magpies have managed to score just 25 goals so far, which is the joint-lowest in the league. The attacking unit has failed miserably, with summer signing Joelinton failing to bang in goals. He has netted just once in 29 games.
Other strikers in Andy Carroll, Yoshinori Muto and Dwight Gayle are yet to open their account. Hence, it is obvious that the manager needs to bring in a striker, who can get them enough goals next season.
Apart from a striker, Bruce should also bring in reinforcements to the wide areas. Allan Saint-Maximin and Christian Atsu are the only wingers available at the manager’s disposal. The Frenchman was brilliant whenever he played, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. But he has struggled with injuries so far.
On the other hand, Atsu has failed to make an impact in the Magpies’ attack. Thus, the manager turned towards midfielder Almiron to carry on the duties at right-wing. With limited options in the wide areas, Newcastle need to sign a winger to do better next season.
In that regard, Palace’s Zaha would be a good option for the club. The Ivorian has featured in 29 games this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. Last season, he finished with 10 goals and 10 assists, and it is clear that he could contribute to Bruce’s attacking unit.
The Ivorian international has made 373 career appearances, all of them in English football. He would definitely bring in a wealth of experience to Bruce squad if he joins them, whilst adding the much-needed depth.
With a lack of quality in their frontline, Newcastle should bring in an experienced player. Zaha could provide them with the required extra goals. At 27, he has some more years left to offer at a higher level and the Magpies should enjoy his services. Thus, they should lure Zaha to St. James’ Park at the earliest.
