Newcastle have been linked with a club-record move for defender Mario Fernandes.
This makes no sense for a variety of reasons.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Mario Fernandes move seems totally unrealistic
Let’s start with the alleged fee.
Newcastle broke their transfer record when they signed Miguel Almiron in January. It was the first time the record had been broken since Michael Owen moved to St James’ Park in 2005.
If Mike Ashley is willing to invest, there’s every chance we could break the record again this summer. But is it really going to be for a defender?
(Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
While we do need to strengthen at full-back, it’s offensively where we’re severely lacking.
Spending more than £25million on a right-back seems like a total waste of what would be limited resources. If Newcastle are going to spend that much money on a player, surely it will be for someone further up the pitch?
Another issue is Fernandes’ age. The Brazilian-born Russian international is currently 28-years-old. He turns 29 in September. That means he doesn’t fit the Ashley blueprint.
(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
If we aren’t willing to spend the money for Salomon Rondon, when we desperately need a striker, there’s no way we’d spend even more money for a defender who is just a year younger.
Fernandes is certainly a talented player, but don’t expect to see him playing in black and white next season.