Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Jorginho from Chelsea.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who believe that the Italy international is now the Magpies’ ‘prime target’ for the January transfer window.
Jorginho is entering the final few months of his Chelsea contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2023.
That could mean he is available for a bargain fee in January, four and a half years after he joined the Blues from Napoli for £57million.
Jorginho has enjoyed an excellent spell at Stamford Bridge, where he has won the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup. And he also won the European Championship with Italy last summer, beating England in the final at Wembley.
The 31-year-old could now be on his way out of Chelsea, with the Daily Mail believing that Newcastle are interested in the midfielder.
Newcastle want to sign Jorginho after Shelvey blow
Eddie Howe’s need for a new centre midfielder has intensified following news coming out of the club on Boxing Day. While the Magpies celebrated a 3-0 win over Leicester, Jonjo Shelvey suffered another injury setback.
He was not involved in the win at the King Power, and is now facing between six to eight weeks out with a calf injury. It is a massive blow for Shelvey, who had only just returned to full fitness.
Shelvey’s injury could force Newcastle to enter the transfer market, with Howe keen to bring in another player who can operate in the ‘number six’ role.
Jorginho could certainly do that. He is like a metronome in front of the defence, and could allow Bruno Guimaraes to play higher up the pitch. The Brazilian is excellent at progressing the ball from defence to attack, and that is something Jorginho can do too.
However, a move to St James’ Park for Chelsea’s number five would be a real shock.
Toon move would be a real surprise
While he is a brilliant player, there is surely no chance of a move to Newcastle in January. The club have been targeting young players who can develop and grow further on Tyneside, such as Bruno, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.
In contrast, Jorginho is 31. He is probably set for one more major transfer before he calls time on his career, but it would be a surprise if Newcastle were the ones signed him.
He does not fit the profile for PIF’s project at St James’ Park. He would be the second oldest player signed since the change of ownership, with Kieran Trippier also arriving when he was 31.
While the right-back has been exceptional, Howe and Dan Ashworth will likely prefer to sign younger faces instead of someone like Jorginho.
The Brazilian born pass master has recently spoke to Sky Italy about Newcastle, and expressed how surprised he is at how well the Magpies are doing this season.
It certainly is a surprise, and so would seeing Jorginho become a Magpie in 2023.
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