For one of Newcastle United’s summer targets, ‘too much, too soon’ is a warning he must heed.
At least, that is according to one pundit, concerned that a talented if relatively unproven young player might find himself making the leap too early in his development.
Newcastle United, HITC understands, are looking at a number of affordable centre-halves this summer. With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffering ACL injuries, and with the already-crocked Fabian Schar also not getting any younger, Eddie Howe may look to reunite with a player he knows well from their time together at AFC Bournemouth.
Lloyd Kelly, Andoni Iraola’s vice-captain, is out of contract this summer. So too is Tosin Adarabioyo, although sources told HITC earlier this month that reports suggesting a move to St James’ Park is close for the Fulham colossus are a little wide of the mark.
Newcastle United target Nicolas Valentini won’t sign new deal
If Kelly and Tosin would be relatively low-risk signings – both proven, reliable Premier League operators – then you cannot say the same of Nicolas Valentini. HITC have been told that Newcastle are watching both the 23-year-old and his Boca Juniors team-mate Kevin Zenon, too.
Valentini is also set to become a free-agent in 2024, albeit in December rather than July. But at the age of only 23, and with fewer than 50 first-team appearances under his belt, is the Argentina Under 23 international really developed enough to make the move across the Atlantic?
Or should Valentini beware the struggles of, say, Alejo Veliz at Tottenham Hotspur, forced out on loan to Sevilla in pursuit of opportunities that would not arise in Spain either?
“I would advise Valentini to stay at Boca, although one does not know what the situation is like,” Enrique Hrabina, who spent over a decade at La Bombanera in the 1980s and 1990s, tells Mundo Boca.
“Playing for Boca is very important. You have the possibility of selection (for the Argentina national team).
“And, in one or two years, you can make the leap.”
Defender warned against Premier League switch
Of course, rebuffing the chance of playing in the Premier League – should it arise this summer – may be easier said than done for Valentini. The 6ft 2ins, left-sided central defender has been left out of the Boca Juniors squad in recent weeks after talks over a new deal broke down.
“A negotiation was held and an agreement could not be reached,” explains Mauricio ‘Chico’ Serna, the sporting director at Boca.
“They are decisions that are made, regardless of where they come from or how they are taken. They are negotiations where one offers something, the other wants something else. There are some that are much easier, there are others that are more complex.
“Now, it is on standby. He has a contract with us until December.”
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