Newcastle United wanted to bring in Michy Batshuayi on loan in January – and a temporary move could be what the Chelsea striker needs.
Michy Batshuayi netted one of the most famous goals in Chelsea’s European history in midweek, ending Atletico Madrid’s 12-game unbeaten home run in the Champions League with a 94th minute winner at the Wanda Metropolitano.
That didn’t do the Belgian any good when Alvaro Morata limped out of the 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Saturday evening, however. Brazilian attacker Willian came on in place of the Spaniard after 35 minutes, leaving Chelsea without a recognised centre-forward until Batshuayi was finally introduced with 17 minutes remaining.
Despite Batshuayi’s penchant for crucial late goals, there remains a feeling that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does not wholly favour the former Marseille striker. The fact he’s started two Premier League games since arriving last summer speaks volumes.
Newcastle United, then, shouldn’t give up hope of luring the striker to St James’ Park. The Mail reported in August that The Magpies were hopeful of taking Batshuayi on loan as they couldn’t afford his wages for a permanent deal.
Chelsea’s failure to land a replacement however – with Fernando Llorente choosing Tottenham instead – condemned Batshuayi to another few months warming the bench.
Though Newcastle, whose three senior centre-forwards are not exactly prolific in the top flight, shouldn’t give up just yet. The fact that Conte did bring Batshuayi on when he could have – against a title rival – suggests that the manager remains unconvinced by his qualities.
A loan move to Newcastle, however, would give Batshuayi the first-team football he needs to prove that he can make the grade in the Premier League. Potentially an excellent move for all parties, then.
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