Newcastle United have been put on red alert as Fernando Torres wishes to return to the Premier League.
Rafael Benitez signed Torres for Liverpool from Atletico Madrid and transformed him into one of the best strikers in the world. The duo also worked for a brief period at Chelsea.
Torres has struggled for games this season, and is yet to open his account in 10 appearances in the La Liga so far.
However, the 33-year-old wishes to end his career at his boyhood club, and merely wants to move out on loan in the second half of the season.
And that is precisely why Newcastle should not make a move for Torres in January. His signing will be all but a huge gamble.
Given Newcastle’s desperation to sign a proven goal-scorer, Newcastle cannot simply afford to take such gambles.
Torres has become a shadow of the player he once was. He has lost his pace and sharpness, and would struggle to keep himself fit in the Premier League.
Moreover, he will turn 34 next March, and doubts remain whether he will at all improve the squad significantly.
Instead of moving for him, Benitez should look for Premier League strikers, like Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge or Callum Wilson.
Torres may represent a shiny toy in the market, but Newcastle can still do without him.
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