Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Swansea City’s Jefferson Montero – and they know how good he can be.
On paper Jefferson Montero is exactly the kind of player that would get Newcastle United fans on their feet and united in a guttural roar. Enigmatic wingers are often the toast of the Toon with Laurent Robert, David Ginola, Hatem Ben Arfa all enjoying cult status on Tyneside.
And while Montero may not share their enigmatic personality or ability to turn a game on its head with a moment of individual magic, his speed, directness and rapid dribbling ability should excite a fanbase who love nothing more than to be entertained.
The Sun (page 65, July 9th) reports that Newcastle are indeed interested in landing the jet-heeled Ecuadorian from Swansea City this summer, with the South Welsh club demanding £4 million for his signature.
And though Montero didn’t enjoy the finest season of his career in 2016/17, falling down the pecking order after Paul Clement’s winter arrival, one display in particular means he would be well received by some sections of the Newcastle support.
In August 2015, Montero ripped Newcastle apart in a thrilling display of wing wizardry straight out of the classic 70’s playbook. Terrorising The Magpies’ backline, there was a shiver of excitement every time the 2014 World Cup star received the ball.
And, sure enough, Andre Ayew’s clincher owed everything to his team-mate’s explosive pace and dead-eyed delivery. That was after Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat had been handed a second yellow for aiming a crude kick at the South American’s shins.
Former England international turned pundit Rio Ferdinand was quick to sing Montero’s praises, tipping him for a big move to one of England’s best. Just a few days later, Wales Online reported that Bayern Munich were eyeing up a shock swoop.
And though Montero may not have built on that initial promise just yet, there would be plenty for Newcastle to get excited about if the 27-year-old winger ends up in black and white this summer.
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