Mitchel Bakker shows what he can offer Newcastle with wonderful assist

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Reported Newcastle United target Mitchel Bakker impressed for Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.

While the Magpies were picking up a vital three points away at Leeds, Leverkusen were putting Augsburg to the sword.

Gerardo Seoane’s side won 5-1 at home, leaving them third in the Bundesliga.

Bakker started for Leverkusen, despite intense speculation that he is on his way to Newcastle before the transfer window closes.

The 21-year-old was first linked last week, with the Daily Mail stating he was a target for Eddie Howe’s side. It was then reported that the Magpies had made a £14.5million bid for the defender.

Saturday brought further news, with the Telegraph claiming that personal terms were set to be discussed between NUFC and the player.

This is exciting news, as the Magpies look to add to their January recruitment drive that has already seen Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood join the club.

Mitchel Bakker proved on Saturday he could be a good Newcastle signing

Amid talk of a move to Newcastle, Bakker started at left-back for Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. He played the full 90 minutes.

It was a dominating performance by Leverkusen, whose quick and incisive passing was too much for their opponents. And Bakker was certainly involved.

The Dutchman got the assist for the opening goal, and showed exactly why he could fit in well at St James’ Park.

Bakker linked up quickly with Moussa Diaby down the left, with a nifty give-and-go getting the defender into the box. He then delivered low and hard ball across the face of goal for Karim Bellarabi to net the opener.

It was exactly what you’d want from an attacking full-back. Bakker showed great speed and athleticism to burst into the box, whilst having the technical ability to put a chance on a plate for his teammate.

This is something Newcastle don’t currently get from their left-back options. Paul Dummett is great at defending but rarely gets forward. Jamal Lewis often seems tentative to gallop deep into the final third. And Matt Ritchie doesn’t have the speed required.

If Bakker can bring that to St James’ Park and prove to be solid defensively too, he could be a great signing.