In a remarkable turn of events, Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davies.
That is according to reporter Ben Jacobs, who has told Caught Offside that the Magpies’ Sporting Director Dan Ashworth is keen on the 22-year-old.
Jacobs believes that Newcastle are going to be looking to sign a new left-back in the near future, and suggests that Eddie Howe would prefer someone who is quick and dynamic – which Davies certainly is.
He wrote: “I also think Newcastle would prefer, as priority, a left-back. Eddie Howe values a young, speedy and dynamic kind of player in that position. The modern full-back can almost be confused with a winger at times. That’s why a profile like Bayern’s Alphonso Davies has peaked sporting director Dan Ashworth’s interest.”
Alphonso Davies would be a marquee replacement for Dan Burn at Newcastle
Davies fits the bill of what Howe wants in a fullback according to Jacobs, and he is a complete contrast to current left-back Dan Burn.
The local lad’s preferred position is at centre-back, but he has been asked to do a job and is playing brilliantly. The 30-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season, and a key part of the Premier League’s toughest defence.
Burn is excellent defensively, but doesn’t offer much going forward. Other than that incredible goal in the cup against Leicester, he doesn’t really provide much in the final third.
In contrast, getting forward and attacking is what Davies is all about. The Canada international has blistering pace, while he also has the skill and trickery to beat a man.
Davies embarrassed Barcelona in 2020
Barcelona know all about that, as Davies was part of the Bayern Munich team that embarrassed them in the Champions League in 2020.
The Bundesliga side beat Barca 8-2, on what was a horrendous night for the Catalan giants. Davies was spectacular in that game, and produced an outrageous piece of skill to absolutely humiliate Nelson Semedo.
Davies showcased on that night what a force he can be at left-back. It was not his original position, but he has been converted into an excellent defender since moving to Germany.
And now Newcastle are looking at him. He would be a marquee arrival at St James’ Park, and a deal would surely only be possible if we qualify for the Champions League.
Even then, a deal for the Canadian feels incredibly unlikely. He is a key player at the Allianz Arena, and has started pretty much every game for Bayern this season.
Ashworth is a fan, but goodness knows how he would tempt Davies to leave the German side and take his talents to the North East of England.
Instead, Newcastle will have to search for a player like Davies, as a deal for the real thing will surely be out of reach.
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