Talks to bring Bayer Leverkusen ace Mitchel Bakker to Newcastle have reportedly collapsed on Monday – but Newcastle’s pursuit of a left-back should not. Now, attention has got to turn to Robin Gosens of Atalanta.
The Telegraph report that talks with Leverkusen over a deal to sign 21-year-old left-back Bakker took place on Monday. But the report claims that a source has told him a move will “definitely not happen” this month.
The left-back area is a problem that has affected Newcastle for some time. Jetro Williems was arguably Newcastle’s last best left-back, but suffered a long-term knee injury halfway through his season-long loan.
Jamal Lewis was brought in but is yet to prove his £15million fee. Paul Dummett was mediocre in the Championship let alone the Premier League, and Matt Ritchie is a right-footed winger – playing out of position.
Bakker talks collapse: Newcastle must table Gosens bid
On the same day reports of Bakker talks collapsing, TuttoMercatoWeb reported that personal terms between Atalanta and Germany ace Gosens and Newcastle had been agreed. But the Toon are yet to table a fee.
Atalanta are keen to cash in on the left-back, and are requesting a figure between £21million and £25million. A fee, easily affordable for Newcastle. Many will remember Gosens’ form at Euro 2020 – shining for Germany.
It would be a real coup – and a better signing than Bakker. At 27, he still has at least five years left at the top level, even more. He would solve Newcastle’s left-back dilemma – and more, if he was to move to Tyneside.
So, with talks and a move for Bakker collapsing. Newcastle have simply got to pursue a deal for Gosens with the player happy to join – given personal terms are agreed. The fee is achievable, and the only remaining obstacle.
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