Atalanta defender Robin Gosens emerged as a target for Newcastle United over the weekend.
It was claimed by Sky Italia that the Germany international has agreed personal terms over a move to St James’ Park. Meanwhile, the Chronicle stated that Gosens was ready to accept Newcastle’s offer, with Paul Dummett to become a permanent centre-back if the deal does happen.
This all sounds very exciting, but sadly Atalanta’s director Umberto Marino has poured cold water over talk of a transfer.
“I read stories of Newcastle interest in a different Atalanta player every day, it’s like Bingo to see who comes up next,” he told DAZN (as quoted by Football Italia).
“Robin has been out of action for four months, we miss him as a player and also a person, as he is one of the leaders of this squad and we hope he returns as soon as possible.”
Robin Gosens won’t solve immediate problem at Newcastle
While Marino is looking forward to Gosens’ Atalanta return, Newcastle are looking for points.
The Magpies wasted a golden opportunity on Saturday, conceding a late equaliser against Watford to ensure we remained in the bottom three.
It once again highlighted the need for immediate reinforcements, despite newbies Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood playing the full 90 minutes. We need more.
Gosens would certainly be a welcome addition. Usually deployed as a left wing-back for Atalanta, he’s incredibly attacking and really impressed for Germany at last summer’s Euros and in the Champions League with his club.
And at 27, he’s coming into his peak years. He’d walk into our starting XI, and ensure we have two big name and attack-minded fullbacks.
However, Gosens’ fitness is the big concern. He’s been out of action since October with a hamstring problem. The defender has made just eight appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two and providing one assist.
His stats show how attacking he is in a system that allows him to bomb forward. But he’s not been doing much of that in recent months.
Gosens could be a great signing for Newcastle. He’s keen to come and terms have reportedly been agreed, but that’s no use if he’s not fit enough to make an immediate impact. He’s not due to return until mid-February – we could be dead and buried by then.
Marino is looking forward to his Atalanta return, while the Magpies may once again have to look elsewhere. But given his injury status, why were we even looking in the first place?
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