Alfredo Morelos is a risk worth taking for Newcastle, on one condition – opinion

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Following an injury to Callum Wilson, Newcastle have been linked with a move for Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos.

The Magpies’ need for a striker has increased since Wilson limped off against Manchester United. After early concerns, the diagnosis appears to be that he will be out for at least a month.

While that is better than first feared, it has once again highlighted Newcastle’s need for another striker.

We’re heavily reliant on Wilson, who has a less than satisfactory fitness record. Meanwhile, we only really have Dwight Gayle in reserve – who isn’t up to the standard required.

Plenty of forwards have been linked, and CBS Sports claim that Newcastle are now looking at Morelos.

Alfredo Morelos destined for big move

There’s been talk of Morelos leaving Rangers for a couple of years now. The Colombian has been sensational at Ibrox, netting more than 100 goals for the Gers.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far this season – more than any Toon player. He’s been linked with Newcastle in the past, while he nearly joined Lille during the summer of 2020.

But for all his talent, Morelos is certainly a difficult player to manage. He’s had issues with discipline north of the border (eight red cards since arriving in 2017), while his representatives were previously criticised by Steven Gerrard.

There is also the issue of a lack of Premier League experience. Will he be able to score goals in the Premier League? Odsonne Edouard recently swapped the Scottish Premiership for the Premier League, and perhaps hasn’t done as well as some may have expected.

Signing Morelos would certainly be a risk for Newcastle, but maybe it’s a risk worth taking…

Newcastle should move for Alfredo Morelos, as long as they sign two strikers

The Magpies are in a strange position this month. They’re second bottom in the league, but have a frightening amount of money potentially at their disposal.

The sky is suddenly the limit for Newcastle, who are no longer fishing around the bargain basement for signings.

And that’s why Newcastle can afford to take a risk on Morelos. The 25-year-old could be an exceptional signing, or he could be an absolute disaster.

Given his ability, the former feels more likely than the latter. But Newcastle’s owners can afford to give themselves some room to manoeuvre.

Signing two strikers wouldn’t be a bad idea. We certainly need at least one given Wilson’s current injury. But Eddie Howe often likes to play with two up top.

And with talk that Dwight Gayle could leave the club, Newcastle will need to replace him as well as provide cover for Wilson.

A multitude of strikers have been linked with the Magpies. Morelos would be a risk compared to some of the options, but he’s a risk worth taking as long as we bring in another forward alongside him.