Newcastle in race for Colombia teenager Asprilla

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Newcastle United are amongst the clubs interested in Watford midfielder Yaser Asprilla.

As reported by Colombian publication Antena 2, Newcastle United are eyeing up a move for Yaser Asprilla. Brighton, Porto, and Real Sociedad are also keeping tabs on the 19-year-old.

Asprilla only joined Watford in January 2021, and spent the rest of that campaign on loan with his boyhood club Envigado. Last season he was able to establish himself as a regular starter for the Hornets. The teenager made 37 appearances in the second tier last time out.

Asprilla’s impressive rise

The youngster’s performances in the middle of the park for Watford certainly caught the eye, and he already looks ready to test himself at a higher level. For the coaches who worked with him as a boy in Colombia, his rapid progress comes as no surprise.

Speaking to The Athletic, one of Asprilla’s youth team coaches at Envigado, Wilberth Perea, said, “Yaser is a difference maker because of his personality and because of what he’s capable of. It’s not a direct comparison, but he reminds me of what Ronaldinho used to do. (Ronaldinho) would solve problems in extraordinary ways…I think Yaser is capable of that.”

Clearly, Asprilla is a long way from being at Ronaldinho’s level, nor does he boast the Brazilian icon’s goalscoring ability. However, Asprilla does have skill, great technical quality, some flair, and the ability to impose himself on a game.

Should Newcastle move for Asprilla this summer?

Eddie Howe clearly believes Asprilla has potential worth investing in. He certainly wouldn’t be the first Asprilla to make a splash on Tyneside. However, whether he considers the twice-capped Colombia international ready to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park is another matter.

With the Magpies competing in the Champions League this season, and aiming for a top four finish in the Premier League once again, now isn’t the time to take such big risks on a young midfielder in the first team.

Asprilla would benefit from a second season of acclimatising to English football. Signing him this summer then immediately sending him out on loan would be a wise move for Newcastle to make.