Newcastle United face Everton on Wednesday night, and will need to find a way past the Toffees’ summer signing James Tarkowski.
The 29-year-old moved to Goodison Park during the summer, with his Burnley contract coming to an end. Tarkowski was unable to keep the Clarets in the Premier League, but was able to secure a move back to the top flight.
He had plenty of clubs chasing his signature, but it was Everton who won the race. Now he is one of Frank Lampard’s most important players alongside new centre-back partner Conor Coady.
Tarkowski will be keen to carry on his good form on Wednesday, and potentially show Newcastle and Eddie Howe what they are missing.
And that’s because he was heavily tipped to join the Magpies shortly after last year’s takeover.
Newcastle miss out on Tarkowski after initial rumours
When the takeover went through last October, the rumours began to circulate about who Newcastle will sign.
There were crazy names linked, such as Ousmane Dembele and Eden Hazard. But there were also realistic targets filling up the gossip columns too. And the first to hit the press was Tarkowski.
Two days after PIF bought Newcastle, the Telegraph claimed that the England international was in line to become one of the new owners’ first signings.
They reported that he was keen on a move to St James’ Park, with Amanda Staveley and co keen to add Premier League experience to a struggling squad.
At the time, Tarkowski was exactly what we needed. We lacked leadership, while our defensive stats were appalling. While he wouldn’t be a glamour signing, he would be a sensible one.
However, a January move didn’t materialise, with Burnley refusing to do a deal with Eddie Howe’s side. Instead, Tarkowski stayed at Turf Moor and ran his contract down.
Newcastle look elsewhere at Rolls Royce Botman
By the time the summer transfer window rolled round, Newcastle were still in the market for a centre-back. And there were tentative links with a move for free agent Tarkowski.
However, the Magpies brought in Sven Botman instead. He arrived for £35million from Lille, and is enjoying a bright start to life on Tyneside.
He has just produced his best performance in a Newcastle shirt, and was our man of the match in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
Next he could be tasked with keeping Everton quiet, while Tarkowski will hope to do the same to Newcastle’s forwards at the opposite end of the pitch.
Since the Tarkowski rumours first emerged, it looks like everything has worked out in the end. He got a move to a Premier League club, and is looking good for the Toffees.
As for Newcastle, we have signed someone who is arguably better and will hopefully be at St James’ Park for a long time.
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