Don Hutchison has just slammed Newcastle’s decision to move for Marc Guehi as £60m+ deal looms

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Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign Marc Guehi, but Don Hutchison does not think it is a ‘smart’ move by the Magpies.

Eddie Howe is on course to get the marquee centre-back he has been craving, as Newcastle United search for Fabian Schar’s long-term successor.

It looked like it would be Malick Thiaw, but now it is Marc Guehi that is on course to join the Magpies.

Guehi is keen to sign for Newcastle, as Toon officials close in on a deal that could be worth more than £60million.

The Magpies’ confidence is growing, with the 24-year-old on course to swap Selhurst Park for St James’ Park. Interestingly, Guehi recently admitted how much he loves St James’ Park, and it now looks set to become his home.

It is a deal that will delight Toon fans. Guehi is a top quality defender, and proved himself even more at the Euros. He was England’s best player in Germany, and his performances at Euro 2024 are set to earn him a move to Newcastle United.

Marc Guehi to Newcastle United is criticised

However, it is a move that pundit Don Hutchison has questioned.

He has appeared on the ESPN FC YouTube channel, and was asked if he is excited about the prospect of Marc Guehi becoming a Newcastle United player.

“Not really,” he said.

“Not because the kid is not a good player. They signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, and they’ve got Sven Botman and Fabian Schar. That’s a lot of money to try and spend on what is potentially a good player, but he might not get in the team.”

Presenter Dan Thomas then said Guehi surely will start if Newcastle are paying so much money for him.

Hutchison replied: “Ahead of Botman and Schar? No!”

“I don’t think it’s a particularly smart signing,” he added.

“I think you could spend that money elsewhere.”

Guehi absolutely is a ‘smart’ signing for Newcastle United

Hutchison’s stance is slightly surprising. While he is right to describe Fabian Schar and Sven Botman as an ‘unbelievable’ partnership, it is an unbelievable partnership that we will not see for a while.

Sven Botman is stepping up his recovery, but it is still unclear when he will be fit to play again after knee surgery.

In the short-term, Guehi will be able to take Botman’s place. He can play as a left-sided centre-back alongside Schar. That could be Newcastle’s starting centre-back pairing when the season begins, if Toon officials are able to complete a deal.

Long-term, Guehi is going to start alongside Botman. While Schar is outstanding, he is getting to the age where he needs to be replaced. He is 32-years-old right now, and turns 33 in December.

By adding Guehi, Newcastle are setting up their back four for at least the next five years. Tino Livramento is 21-years-old. Lewis Hall is 19-years-old. Sven Botman is 24-years-old, as is Guehi.

That is an exciting back four, and a defensive back line that is improved by the presence of Guehi. Newcastle are being proactive and investing in their future, and that is why splashing out on Guehi is a smart bit of business and a statement of intent.