Shortly after Newcastle were taken over, James Tarkowski was linked with a move to St James’ Park.
The Telegraph claimed in October that he was expected to become one of PIF’s first signings at Newcastle.
At the time, we described him as the ‘perfect’ first addition. He has bags of Premier League experience, while his defensive abilities would be an improvement on what we’ve already got.
But as the weeks have passed by, talk of a move for Tarkowski have diminished. Instead, there have been claims that Burnley don’t want to sell one of their star players to a direct relegation rival in Newcastle. They’d rather lose him for nothing in the summer, with his contract set to expire.
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards provided an update on the situation on January 2nd, stating that Tarkowski still wants to join Newcastle. But would a move still be wise?
James Tarkowski bang out of form
While Newcastle continue to struggle at the back, Burnley are having similar problems. The Clarets are 18th in the league, sitting above Eddie Howe’s side on goal difference.
Sean Dyche’s team haven’t been as poor at the back as Newcastle, but far from their usually rigid selves.
And James Tarkowski’s form is cause for concern. The 29-year-old was massively at fault as Leeds took the lead in their previous game. He cheaply gave away possession to Jack Harrison, then failed to prevent him getting a shot on target on two occasions.
Perhaps talk of a move is distracting Tarkowski, but his recent form doesn’t suggest he’s the answer to our defensive problems. Other targets such as Sven Botman are much more appealing, despite being much more ambitious.
Tarkowski isn’t showing the form for Burnley needed to get out of relegation trouble. So would things be any different in a black and white shirt?
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