Newcastle United signed Antonio Barreca on deadline day.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United approached four left backs before deciding on a deal for Monaco left back Antonio Barreca on deadline day.
The Magpies went into the transfer window needing reinforcements, and they got their major playmaking addition with a club-record deal for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron.
Rafael Benitez was also desperate to land another left back as competition for Paul Dummett, though that became something of a saga in itself.
As noted by The Chronicle, Newcastle wanted to bring in Lazio’s Jordan Lukaku, but that deal fell though after he failed a medical.
It’s claimed that Newcastle then asked about at least three other left backs to no avail, before returning to Monaco to sign Barreca.
The Italian therefore appears to have been a fifth-choice target for Benitez, and he faces a fight to dislodge Matt Ritchie following his promising displays at left wing back.
Regardless of Barreca seemingly being far from first choice, he now has an opportunity. He’s in the door at Newcastle, and after a dismal spell with Monaco, he will be desperate to impress Benitez.
Additionally, there’s no telling how far ahead those other targets may have been. Some of them may have only been marginally ahead of Barreca, so landing the 23-year-old won’t have been anything like a disappointment.
By taking his chance at St James’ Park, Barreca can show that he should have been first choice all along, and Newcastle will similarly hope that he can be the long-term answer at left back for Benitez having found his way to Tyneside.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
