Newcastle United are now reportedly the favourites to sign Atletico Madrid attacker Yannick Carrasco, who is set to leave the La Liga side in the January transfer window.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies have ‘a clear run’ at signing the Belgian international, who Atletico are eager to sell in the coming months in an attempt to resolve their financial issues, with the Spanish giants set for a firesale of sorts in January.
Whilst Carrasco has a reported release clause of £51m, it is unlikely that any club will match this fee, which could force Atletico into selling the attacker for a much cheaper price, a proposition which could appeal to Newcastle as they look to sign a winger in the winter window.
Eddie Howe’s side currently sit third in the Premier League after an incredible campaign in the English top-flight. And whilst Carrasco would likely favour a move to a UEFA Champions League club, Newcastle’s sensational rise over the past 12 months might be appealing to the 29-year-old.
Indeed, Carrasco has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a good few years, yet whilst Newcastle might make sense for the attacker, the Magpies might be wiser moving for a younger player rather than a superstar name who this season has been below par.
The winger has only managed two goals and two assists in all competitions this season. And whilst Carrasco has obvious talents and qualities, Newcastle could spend their resources better than on the 29-year-old Atletico outcast, who could prove himself to be a burden.
Newcastle will be making a big mistake in signing Carrasco
Newcastle might have an unlimited source of wealth from their new PIF overlords, but Howe has been wise in how the Magpies spend their transfer budget, with the signings of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes transforming the Toon into European contenders. And this is why Carrasco won’t work at the club.
The northeast Premier League side have made it a mission to build their squad smartly by signing players who are guaranteed to take them to the next level, and for Carrasco, the Atletico star won’t achieve this at all for Newcastle given his form this season and his age.
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