Newcastle United have reportedly launched a bid to sign Mitchel Bakker from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Daily Mail claimed he was a target for the Magpies on Wednesday, and now they’ve provided more details on the potential move.
They’ve now reported that Newcastle have made a bid for the 21-year-old, offering £14.5million for his services.
That would allow Leverkusen to make a profit on the defender, who cost them around £8million last summer.
Bakker joined the Bundesliga side last year, arriving from PSG after receiving limited first-team football under Mauricio Pochettino.
Mitchel Bakker interested in Newcastle move, but will bid be enough?
The Daily Mail’s report adds that the Dutchman is interested in a move to the Premier League this month. They also state that Leverkusen are willing to negotiate a deal.
Interestingly, Bakker is represented by super agent Mino Raiola, whose clients include Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba.
With the player keen on the move and the sellers interested in doing business, the onus is on Newcastle to make a satisfactory offer. So will £14.5million be enough?
Considering the premium we’re being charged this month, it doesn’t feel likely. Leverkusen would be making a profit on Bakker, but they will surely be looking for more less than a year after they bought him.
And if they do let him go for less than £15million, perhaps there’s a reason they’re happy for him to leave so soon…
Regardless, Bakker plays in a position that we desperately need to improve – left-back. It’s been a problem position for years.
Jamal Lewis sounded like he was going to be the solution, but has struggled after his £15million move. He did improve before Christmas when Eddie Howe was forced to recall him. However, injury put an end to his spell in the side.
Since then, Newcastle have been linked with multiple left-backs, suggesting Howe isn’t fully convinced by Lewis or his other left-back options.