Newcastle are reportedly on the look-out for a new creative midfielder, but Dennis Praet’s role at St James’ Park would be somewhat of a balancing act.
Newcastle United were linked with a move for Dennis Praet in the summer and, according to Calciomercato.com, they could return with a bid of around £18million at the end of the season, meeting his release clause.
For many clubs, that might not represent a substantial outlay but, at Newcastle, where the club’s transfer record has not been broken for 12 years, this would be big business for Rafa Benitez.
Praet has not flopped at Sampdoria – they could not command such a fee if he had – but nor has he set the world alight.
For a record-breaking fee, the Magpies would expect the Samp midfield man to add a touch of class that is missing from their game in the Premier League.
If Praet’s form in Serie A suggests that will be difficult, the role he would potentially be taking at St James’ Park would make the task even tougher.
Ayoze Perez has drawn the ire of supporters for his displays this season, but his hard work in harrying opponents, starting counter-attacks and falling back to help in the defensive third is often over-looked.
Indeed, the Spaniard himself is blessed with a great amount of ability, but Benitez’s system does not always allow him to show it – and, to give credit to the manager, it has largely worked as Newcastle sit seventh.
A big move such as Praet’s would require the new man to both raise the bar in terms of quality in the final third while retaining Perez’s workrate in order to ensure standards do not slip at Newcastle.
It is a move that could elevate Benitez’s side to another level, but it is also a big risk – and one Praet would have to embrace.
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