Mitchel Bakker is the latest name to be mentioned as a transfer target for Newcastle United.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are in talks to sign the Bayer Leverkusen left-back.
Newcastle have been linked with multiple left-sided defenders in recent weeks, with Lucas Digne and Robin Gosens mentioned as targets.
Bakker is a lot younger than those two, currently just 21-years-old. However, he’s already been with some big clubs despite his tentative age. He started at Ajax, then joined PSG in 2019. After two years in Paris, the Dutchman joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
He’s played 12 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring once and providing two assists with Leverkusen currently in third place.
However, the German side could make a quick profit on Bakker if they decide to sell to Newcastle.
Bakker is a Netherlands Under-21 international, where he has played alongside someone the Magpies failed to sign this month – Sven Botman. Hopefully this pursuit goes a lot smoother, with Botman seemingly set to stay with Lille.
Mitchel Bakker would add much-needed competition at left-back
The left side of defence has been a position of weakness for a long time at St James’ Park, particularly with Paul Dummett’s injury problems.
The local lad returned to the side against Watford, and looked decent considering it was his first appearance of the season.
Our other options are Jamal Lewis, who has really really struggled since his £15million move from Norwich. Although he was showing signs of improvement before getting injured against Liverpool. Then there’s Matt Ritchie, who simply isn’t a defender.
Bakker would certainly add more competition in that position, and could be a smart signing. His arrival could also allow Dummett to play as a centre-back. That may ease Eddie Howe’s woes at the heart of defence.
Of course, it all depends on how willing Leverkusen are to lose their 2021 recruit so soon after signing him for £8.5million.
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