In our view, if Newcastle United fail to sign long-time target James Maddison in the summer, they should make an ambitious bid for Manchester City star, Jack Grealish.
The Northern Echo have reported that Newcastle plan to make a formal enquiry in order to land Maddison from Leicester City.
While Newcastle are expected to make a move in the summer for the Englishman if a January switch does not pan out, Liverpool & Manchester United’s reported interested (via GiveMeSport) makes it a challenging deal to execute.
Plan B? Jack Grealish.
Newcastle should try to land Jack Grealish if James Maddison move does not pan out
A brief explanation on why Grealish to Man City has bombed
There is no denying that things have gone from bad to worse for Grealish in a Manchester City shirt.
However, much of the 27-year-old’s struggles come down to two factors.
Firstly, Jack Grealish is not a touchline winger, as he has been utilised as due to City having superior central players.
With the Sky Blues not having an overlapping left-back at their disposal, the much-maligned attacker, who profiles as a wide playmaker has been restricted to holding the width, which is far from his best trait.
Secondly, the England international is at his best when everything goes through him, which is impossible in a City side that play such a possession-orientated brand of football.
A lack of positional freedom and a new role has meant the move has been a disaster to say the least.
How the Maddison plan B fits in at Newcastle
At Newcastle United, Grealish slots into the side as the No.10 that the side are certainly in need of.
With Bruno Guimaraes playing as a No.6 and Joelinton known for his industry, the out-of-form Manchester City man can get on the ball and run the show in the same vein as he did at Aston Villa.
Despite being at a Villa side that was far inferior to this current Newcastle team, Jack Grealish was one of Europe’s finest creators.
For context, the 27-year-old created the 4th highest chances in Europe during his final season at the club in the Premier League, only behind Thomas Muller, Luis Alberto and Kevin De Bruyne (via GiveMeSport).
Also, the £300,000–a-week superstar showcased under Dean Smith that he especially thrives in a team that plays in transition.
Often, Newcastle’s finest moments arrive on the break.
And before you forget, the Magpies have Jack Grealish’s partner-in-crime in Matt Targett, who was his ideal overlapping left-back during his time at Villa Park.
The duo wreaked havoc in tandem, which could prove to be a lethal pairing if Howe decides to use Grealish on the left flank on occasion.
While signing James Maddison would be the dream, Jack Grealish would be a brilliant plan B for Newcastle.
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