PSG have signed ‘game changer’ Newcastle wanted to bid for

Add as preferred source on Google

Debate continues to rage as to whether or not Newcastle United have signed the right kind of midfielder this summer.

Indeed, up until the arrival of Sandro Tonali over the course of the summer, Bruno Guimaraes had been the only signing in that department of the PIF era.

There was an acceptance last season the Brazilian was playing outside of his best position, forced into a deeper role following the departure of Jonjo Shelvey.

It’s not as if Tonali has been playing particularly badly and there have certainly been promising signs but there are suggestions the two cannot play together, albeit at an early stage of their partnership.

Newcastle reportedly remain keen on a traditional No.6 and some interesting insight has emerged in regards to a summer target.

Manuel Ugarte hailed as “game changer” for Paris Saint-Germain

Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte was linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer. There were even reports suggesting the club had informed Sporting Lisbon of their intention to make an offer of around £52m.

Ultimately, the 22-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain instead and is now due on Tyneside next month when the French giants visit for a Champions League group stage game.

While Newcastle are struggling in midfield, European football expert Andy Brassell has spoken about Ugarte’s immediate impact in the French capital.

“I was at PSG on Tuesday night,” he told the On the Continent Podcast.

“And you think what a game changer Manuel Ugarte is for PSG.”

Brassell added: “There was a suspicion in France that ‘they paid a lot for this guy, are they being ripped off by [super agent] Jorge Mendes?’

“Whereas, actually, so many clubs could have done with Ugarte.”

Newcastle would be wise to revisit the situation in January

Clearly, the chance to sign Ugarte has now passed.

Still, Newcastle would be wise to revisit their midfield situation in January, should Tonali and Guimaraes continue to struggle.

Perhaps there could be scope to sign England international Kalvin Phillips, who rejected a loan move away from Manchester City this summer but may look to leave in January in an effort to play ahead of Euro 2024.

Certainly, that feels like a somewhat logical option.