Seydou Doumbia struggled to impress at Newcastle during a loan spell in 2016.
Sporting Lisbon striker Seydou Doumbia is reportedly allowed to leave the Portuguese giants for just £10.6million this month, and Rafa Benitez should look to lure the former Newcastle striker back to St. James’ Park.
There is no question that Newcastle are in need of a striker. Joselu has managed just four strikes since his summer move from Stoke City, while Dwight Gayle has proved largely inconsistent when available, with injuries hampering his game time.
Aleksander Mitrovic is more than likely to leave, with the Serbia international attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League, Championship and Chinese Super League according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Benitez’s main priority in the upcoming window must be to add a new striker that can guarantee goals ahead of signing a new goalkeeper or a left-back, and Doumbia’s apparent availability should convince Benitez.
Portuguese outlet A Bola claim Sporting boss Jorge Jesus will not block a January move for 30-year-old Doumbia, and will allow the Ivory Coast international to leave for £10.6million.
Doumbia has become somewhat of a journeyman striker, turning out for Roma, CSKA Moscow, Newcastle, FC Basel and Sporting in the last three years, but he has regained a degree of form in Portugal.
Seven goals in 16 games, only seven of which he has started, is a decent return and the speed machine has proved that he still has what it takes to score at the highest level. He even found the back of the net in the Champions League.
At a knockdown price that could now be affordable with Benitez aware of his January transfer budget, Benitez should sign Doumbia as the latter may feels as though he has unfinished business in Tyneside.
Making just three appearances in the second half of 2015-16, Doumbia struggled to impress and was considered a flop. But now, he can be the saviour in Newcastle’s fight against relegation.
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