Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Hamza Choudhury this summer.
The midfielder has been a target throughout Steve Bruce’s tenure, and came very close to joining the club on deadline day.
It was first reported that the deal was on and that Choudhury would be the Magpies’ second first-team signing of the summer.
Then the deal was off. The transfer window closed and the 23-year-old remained a Leicester player. It later emerged that Newcastle couldn’t afford the loan fee, and that was why Choudhury didn’t end up in a black and white shirt.
It capped off a miserable summer for Toon fans, and for Bruce. He was left with a weaker squad and club statement that appeared to send him a firm message.
But what would have happened if Newcastle did bring Choudhury to St James’ Park?
Things would have been different for Isaac Hayden if Newcastle signed Choudhury
According to the Athletic, Bruce intended to use Choudury’s signing to cover up another area of weakness.
It was reported throughout the summer that the Toon boss wanted a new centre-back, keen to bring in someone with a bit more pace.
Obviously, that didn’t happen. But Bruce had a contingency plan.
With Choudhury adding an extra body in midfield, Bruce reportedly planned to change Isaac Hayden’s position.
The Athletic claim that Bruce had intentions to play Hayden as the right-sided centre-back – likely because of his extra pace compared to the other defensive options.
While Choudhury didn’t join, Bruce went with that plan anyway, starting Hayden in defence against Manchester United and Leeds.
Sadly, it didn’t really work. He struggled at Old Trafford, while the formation was changed after half an hour against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
A lot of fans aren’t happy with Bruce, but he certainly hasn’t been helped by Mike Ashley this summer. Now he’s having to patch up his squad with what he’s got.
Square pegs in round holes.
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