Newcastle reportedly want to sign £50m star who Rafael Benitez says is brilliant at passing

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Rafael Benitez is a big fan of Newcastle United’s latest transfer target, Jorginho.

The Daily Mail reported last night that Newcastle were taking a look at Jorginho, as they look to bolster their midfield options for the second half of the campaign.

Newcastle are said to be considering taking the Chelsea midfielder on a free transfer, as Graham Potter’s side look to trim the average age of their squad.

Jorginho has just months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and has now reached the age of 31. 

But former Newcastle boss, Benitez, is one man who can vouch for the quality of the £50 million Italian international. 

“I also know about Jorginho. I signed him for Napoli from Verona for about €6 million (about £4.95 million at the time),” Benitez said to The Times, just a year ago.  

“He was playing very quickly, always with one or two touches, he has vision and his understanding of the game was very good.

“He links the play very well because he is always in the right positions and gives solutions to his team-mates.”

Newcastle want to sign Jorginho

If Jorginho was to arrive at Newcastle it seems most likely that he would be identified as competition for Jonjo Shelvey.

The two players are fairly similar stylistically, even though Shelvey may be slightly more aggressive. 

Jorginho possesses a wonderful range of passing and is excellent positionally – but, perhaps, doesn’t have the pace or physicality of some other stand out midfielders in the Premier League.

That being said, he has been a classy operator at the top level for years now, and would add experience and knowhow to Newcastle’s squad.

If flanked by the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Jorginho’s lack of legs would hardly be a concern either.

The Brazilian duo are two of the most energetic midfielders in England and could certainly cover for Jorginho’s lack of running ability.

Indeed, the potential trio in midfield has all the ingredients to work very well for Newcastle, if they were all deployed together.

Newcastle will surely be on the hunt for additions to strengthen their current position in the top four.

And if they were able to weaken Chelsea while simultaneously improving their own options, then it could be too good an opportunity to miss out on.