Newcastle United’s work in the transfer market may not stop with the addition of one single full-back, with more defensive reinforcements expected, as strengthening both sides of the defensive line is a major priority for the remainder of the summer window.
The Magpies have already been linked with several defenders in recent weeks as Newcastle looks to add depth to a position that only has two legit players on it now — Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall — following Kieran Trippier’s departure.
According
to the Mirror’s Fasika Zelealem, Newcastle could look to add not one, but two right-backs before the window closes, with concerns over Tino Livramento’s fitness contributing to the club’s thinking.
“Right-back will be a key talking point for Newcastle before the window ends,” Zelealem wrote. “With Tino Livramento withdrawing from the England World Cup squad due to injury, question marks persist over whether he will be able to remain fit enough for a consistent run of games.”
Zelealem goes on to actually identify two names firmly on Newcastle’s radar, one of them not linked that much to the Magpies before in the transfer market.
“Guela Doue, brother of France and PSG star Desire, is one of the names on their radar to fill out their right-back options,” Zelealem reported. “The club have also been linked with Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, who would be a savvy addition to Eddie Howe’s defence.”
Neither player has featured prominently in Newcastle’s transfer rumors this summer, although both fit the club’s recent recruitment profile. The Daily Mail first reported Newcastle as an “admirer” of Doue, and Football Insider considered Acheampong a long shot for the Magpies after Xabi Alonso’s arrival.
Doue, 23, enjoyed a breakout campaign with Strasbourg, who narrowly avoided relegation, contributing two goals and seven assists in all competitions. Acheampong, meanwhile, remains one of Chelsea’s most highly rated young defenders, with reports earlier this year suggesting the Blues were reluctant to consider his departure.
The latest report also aligns with Chronicle Live’s recent assessment that full-back remains one of Newcastle’s biggest needs. The outlet reported the Magpies ideally want cover on both flanks, though a player capable of operating at both right-back and left-back is viewed as the most likely solution.
The emergence of Doue and Acheampong as fresh options suggests Newcastle is continuing to expand its shortlist as it searches for the right fit, with the former mostly playing right-back and center back, and the latter doing the same, with more of a center back profile than a natural full-back.
Do you think Newcastle should sign two full-backs before the transfer window closes, or is adding one versatile defender enough? Share your ideal solution for the Magpies’ back line in the comments below!
