Liverpool’s young winger has been linked with a January move to St James’ Park.
On the face of it, Sheyi Ojo could be a perfect fit for Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United. He is a left winger after all, the position The Magpies boss is so determined to strengthen, while his frightening pace and maverick unpredictability is exactly the attributes required for a side high on functionality though lacking in flair.
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are interested in bringing in the 19-year-old Liverpool winger on the back of a difficult run of form which has threatened to put a spanner in the works of a hitherto infallible promotion challenge.
As demonstrated by the 1-0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday, a second defeat of the season against Blackburn Rovers, an FA Cup draw with Birmingham City and even Saturday’s 2-1 win at Brentford, Newcastle need a player who can change the game with something out of the ordinary, someone who can come off the bench and instil migraines in a weary backline.
And, as Ojo demonstrated during a short-term loan with Wolves in the 2015/16 season, he could fit the bill at St James’.
“I think he has made an impact since he has been here. The early cup games he played in and then coming off the bench have been big features,” then Wolves boss Kenny Jackett told the club’s official website in October 2015.
“He has also had starts against good sides, with the first two of those, Cardiff and Brighton, being pretty difficult. I am pleased he is here and can affect games.
“He is a natural wide-left player and at 18, now, this is his second loan. He has a very good attitude and over the course of this season is only going to improve.
“He has seen plenty of game so far and he has deserved that – he has affected games.”
These days, thanks to the esteemed tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, Ojo is a more rounded player though his eccentric streak remains his USP.
If he can repeat his impact at Molineux at St James’, Newcastle might just have pulled off a signing who can kick-start their season.
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