Josko Gvardiol has previously been linked with a move to Newcastle United, and Alan Shearer thinks he would be a good fit under Eddie Howe.
The RB Leipzig defender has been enjoying a fantastic World Cup, and was instrumental in Croatia qualifying for the knockout stages. He was exceptional in their final group game against Belgium, where a 0-0 draw saw them make it through to the next round.
Former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas was certainly impressed. He was on commentary for that game, and described the 20-year-old as ‘different class‘.
Next up for Gvardiol and Croatia is the Round of 16 game against Japan, where they will hope to reach the quarter finals.
The game is live on BBC1 in the United Kingdom, with Toon legend Alan Shearer on punditry duty. And before the game, he spoke about his desire to see Gvardiol in a black and white shirt in the near future.
Alan Shearer on Josko Gvardiol to Newcastle
Ahead of the game against Japan, BBC’s team of experts discussed Gvardiol’s performances at the World Cup so far. He won praise from Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Williams, two men who know all about playing centre-back.
But Shearer knows a good player when he sees one too, and thinks the centre-back would be a good fit at St James’ Park.
He said: “He’d look good in a black and white shirt him, wouldn’t he?”
Host Gary Lineker replied: “Every single player that plays well at this tournament he goes Newcastle are getting him!”
The Magpies previously wanted to sign him
Shearer is spot on – Gvardiol really would look good in black and white! And the Newcastle recruitment team likely feel the same.
He was linked with a move to St James’ Park earlier in the year, as Eddie Howe searched for a young centre-back for the club’s ambitious project.
The Daily Mail reported that Gvardiol was on Newcastle’s radar, although they would face serious competition for him.
In the end, a move was not forthcoming. Instead, the Magpies brought in Sven Botman, who was been outstanding since his £35million move from Lille.
But Gvardiol would be great too. He is so good for his age, and looks tailormade for the Premier League. He could form a brilliant partnership with Botman, and give Newcastle a centre-back partnership that could play together for 10 years.
Shearer would love Gvardiol to join the Magpies, but a move would not be cheap. He was linked with Chelsea during the summer, who wanted to pay £75million for his services. That kind of fee would make him one of the most expensive defenders ever, and Newcastle’s new record signing.
Shearer is endorsing a move, but a Toon transfer would come as a shock given our need to improve in other positions.
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