Newcastle United could get a firsthand look tonight at the man they tried to sign in January – Mohammed Salisu.
The Magpies take on Southampton at St Mary’s, a game that was initially set to take place at the start of the year. However, it was postponed due to COVID cases in the Newcastle camp.
That decision angered Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who questioned whether it was fair for Newcastle to use their new signings in the rearranged fixture. He is now claiming that Eddie Howe’s side are a ‘completely different team‘.
Well that ‘completely different team’ will be looking to make it nine games unbeaten tonight, with as many as four new signings available for selection.
Kieran Trippier remains injured, but Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes could all feature at St Mary’s.
And Hasenhuttl can count himself lucky that one of his current players won’t be lining up in a Newcastle shirt.
Newcastle reportedly wanted Salisu in January
The Magpies were linked with a crazy amount of players during the January transfer window. And one reported target was Saints defender Salisu.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards claimed that Newcastle looked at the 22-year-old, but their efforts were rebuffed.
Salisu is an excellent defender, and at an age where he can still improve. Combine that with Premier League experience, and it’s no wonder Newcastle were interested.
A deal didn’t happen, and instead he remained on the South Coast. But now Salisu is facing a race against time to feature against the team who tried to sign him.
The centre-back missed the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa, but is in contention to return tonight.
Ahead of the game, Hasenhuttl said: “Sali, we’ll have a look if he manages to play tomorrow [against Newcastle].”
A Salisu return will certainly make Newcastle’s task trickier. He’s a top defender. But it will also give the scouting department a chance to watch him up close and personal.
If he performs well, it could lead to fresh interest from the Toon in the summer.
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