Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has told talkSPORT that Mitchel Bakker will be a ‘very good asset’ if Newcastle United secure a transfer for the Bayer Leverkusen full-back.
Van der Krann is confident the defender will be a success in the Premier League as his style is perfectly suited to the English game. The Toon want to add Bakker to their mid-season deals for Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier to afford Eddie Howe further defensive support.
Newcastle remain in the relegation zone after 21 games, having recorded the second-worst defensive record to Norwich City. Only the Canaries have shipped more goals than United with 45 in 22 games to the Magpies’ 43. Newcastle have also only kept two clean sheets.
Bakker can additionally offer Howe a forward threat from left-back if Newcastle complete a transfer for the Bayer Leverkusen ace. The 21-year-old has already offered four assists and a goal over 16 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
Van der Krann feels the Dutch U21 international’s application on the pitch is similar to what right-back Trippier can deliver. The Toon paid Atletico Madrid £12m for the England star this month to upgrade Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy.
“I think it’s a very possible one,” Van der Krann said. “He’s the kind of player who is made for English football. He has pace and flair. Players like Kieran Trippier, he is very similar.
“He is not afraid of the big crowds or the pressure. I think he would do well and if there’s a chance for the club to sign him, I think he would be a very good asset.”
Newcastle could land ideal Lewis upgrade with Bakker, Leverkusen transfer
Newcastle are confident their talks with Bayer Leverkusen will see Bakker arrive before the transfer window closes on Monday. The Daily Mail report United bid £16m for his services, and are waiting for Die Werkself to secure his replacement.
Bakker only moved to the BayArena last summer from Paris Saint-Germain for €7m (£6m). He may now make the North Rhine-Westphalia outfit a quick profit and give Howe an ideal upgrade on Jamal Lewis and Matt Ritchie.
Lewis appeared to be Howe’s initial first-choice left-back after the former Bournemouth boss replaced Steve Bruce. But the Northern Ireland international has failed to regain the role from Ritchie upon returning from a hamstring injury.
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