One area Newcastle United will be looking to add quality this summer is left-back and they may have found what they’re looking for in 24-year-old Brazilian Carlos Augusto.
Eddie Howe spent £15million to bring in Matt Targett after a successful loan spell last season, but the left-back dropped out of the starting lineup after picking up an injury early in the season. Howe had to move Dan Burn out to the left and install Sven Botman in the centre-back role earlier than he’d have liked.
That rejigged back line went on to become the most solid defence in the Premier League and as such Matt Targett has found game time hard to come by this season, through no fault of his own.
Augusto is more adept at getting forward than Burn or Targett
While Burn and Targett are both solid options, there’s a feeling that Newcastle need better to help them next season with European football on the horizon, especially when it comes to getting forward down the left.
It seems now they’ve turned their attention to Brazilian wingback Carlos Augusto from Monza according to Football Italia.
Augusto has out-scored Kieran Trippier this season
Augusto is a wing back but can play in a more defensive minded role too. This season he’s managed five goals and five assists in 27 Serie A appearances. To compare, Kieran Trippier has one goal and six assists in 30 Premier League outings.
The former Brazilian youth international’s performances in Italy have caught the eye of several clubs but it’s understood that Newcastle are among the most interested parties. Augusto signed for Monza in 2020 for just £3.5million, it’s not yet known how much they’d be asking for if they were to sell.
I like the sound of this one, it could be that we “do a Brighton” and uncover a gem who comes to the England with little fanfare and takes the Premier League by storm.
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