‘Quality’ player would shine at Newcastle after difficult season

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After a difficult debut season in the Premier League, Gianluca Scamacca could be ready to move on again.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca could be set for a return to Serie A, with Roma interested in securing his services this summer.

The Hammers paid £35.5 million to bring the forward to the Premier League last summer. However, the 24-year-old has since struggled to settle in London. Scamacca made just 16 Premier League appearances, managing 3 goals, before injuries derailed his campaign.

Scamacca never looked comfortable in David Moyes’ side. Michail Antonio established himself as the Scottish coach’s first choice to lead the line. Antonio himself has given his verdict on Scamacca’s struggles at West Ham.

Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, as shared on their YouTube channel, Antonio said: “He is a quality player. The problem is, he can’t play the way the gaffer plays. He needs a different type of manager to play his type of football…how David Moyes plays is more like if you’re up front, you’re dealing with scraps and you’ve got to be more of a fighter, and that’s not him.”

The fact that a teammate is discussing his poor form so publicly highlights just how much Scamacca has struggled to settle at West Ham. Despite having been at the London Stadium for just one season, the 11-cap Italy striker needs a change. Be it Roma or elsewhere, Scamacca needs to find a club where his qualities and attributes would be appreciated. In that sense, he could thrive at Newcastle.

Why Newcastle should consider Scamacca

If West Ham are willing to consider a knocked-down fee to offload the unsettled Scamacca, Newcastle should seriously consider offering the Italian an exit route. Eddie Howe has shown an interest in bringing him to Tyneside before, as the club were linked with him last summer.

At his best, Scamacca can be a devastating all-round forward. In his final season with Sassuolo, before making the move to east London, the 6’5” attacker scored 16 league goals. He is a clinical finisher, has fantastic technical ability, and is physically imposing. 

Scamacca’s attributes would suit Howe’s style of football perfectly. The Magpies would certainly take advantage of the Italian’s height and aerial prowess, as well as his ability to hold up the ball as a target man. However, his ability on the ball would also help him to flourish at St James’ Park.

Newcastle play a more possession-based style of football than West Ham. Scamacca’s ability to drop deep, involve himself in the build up, and his creative instincts would be allowed to shine through for Newcastle.

Scamacca could prove to be excellent cover for the injury-prone Callum Wilson, and his presence would free up Alexander Isak to play in other parts of the pitch.