Newcastle now enter transfer race for £50m ‘absolute tank’

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The bulk of the transfer news surrounding Newcastle United at the moment is in regards to the potential signing of midfielders.

Sandro Tonali is widely expected to soon make his move to Newcastle, who have been linked with all manner of big name options in that particular area.

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes is the only option to have been signed in that position since the takeover, albeit Joelinton’s transformation into a midfielder has helped on that front.

Still, while the need to strengthen there is obvious, it’s not the only area in which Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster.

Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen has recently been touted as a target, with Newcastle reportedly eager to bolster their defensive ranks.

Now, another name has emerged.

Newcastle enter race to sign Marc Guehi

In fact, that name is currently playing for Palace too.

According to The Sun (page 68 on Saturday 24 June, 2023), Newcastle are now keen on the potential signing of England defender Marc Guehi.

It is claimed the club are considering a move for the 22-year-old, who is also thought to be attracting the interest of Arsenal.

Tottenham are another team who have previously been linked with the former Chelsea defender, who is emerging as somewhat of a constant in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions side.

A fee of £45m is mooted in the report, albeit Palace are believed to be looking at closer to £50m.

Such is his standing at Palace, the Evening Standard have even claimed Guehi is in line for the captaincy on a full-time basis.

Guehi would be a good signing but that price looks high

With Tonali expected to cost big money, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Newcastle part with between £45-£50m on a player not guaranteed to start.

While that’s not to doubt Guehi – who was described as an “absolute tank” by former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik in 2021 – and his quality, it’s just Howe already has what was the meanest defence in the Premier League last season.

Long-term, perhaps the Palace star could step in for Fabian Schar, who will turn 32 next season. As per WhoScored data, Guehi averages 1.2 interceptions per game, slightly below Schar’s average of 1.4 over the same period

Still, of Newcastle’s central defenders, Guehi’s average ranks the highest outside of Schar in that metric, perhaps suggesting he’d be as adept in proactively winning the ball back and starting attacks.

However, during a period in which Newcastle are working under FFP restrictions, to spend that kind of money on a player who may not start right away does not seem particularly wise.