The Argentine defender is in the midst of contract negotiations with his club, but Liverpool are rumoured to be attempting to lure him to Anfield.
The adaptation to English football has been a slow one for Coloccini, but he has stuck with Newcastle through their brief stint in the Championship and come out the other side.
On the basis of this season’s performances, there can be little doubting that he has fulfilled the reputation he was bought on the back of, and has been one of the Premier League’s best defenders.
Now 30, he has a decision to make, as he enters the final year of his contract this year.
He can choose to commit to Newcastle, an intention he has publicly made assurances he would like to do, or seek a new challenge.
What it may come down to, are the specific offers which land on his table.
Surely if Barcelona came calling he would be off, but wouldn’t anyone? But let’s not be unrealistic here(!).
The club rumoured to be most interested in acquiring his services is Liverpool.
The question is whether Coloccini would see this as a step up, or simply a sideways step.
If it is the latter, then why uproot when he is settled in the North East.
Both Newcastle and Liverpool are jostling for position just outside the Champions League spots, and it is not inconceivable either could make a late charge to make the top four.
The clubs clash at St James Park in a few weeks, in a game which could be decisive, and will see £35 million man Andy Carroll return for the first time.
Despite Liverpool spending millions, they have been unable to elevate themselves into a title challenging position, although fans will hope their Carling Cup win can be a springboard for success.
In defence the club have Martin Skrtel, along with Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher and Sebastien Coates. Coates is still unproven, while Carragher is entering the final years of his career and Agger has had injury problems.
So it could be that Liverpool see Coloccini fitting in, if one is sold, or Carragher takes even more of a backseat
Newcastle at present seem like a side which is going places. How far they can go depends on owner Mike Ashley’s resistance to big bids for his star players.
Demba Ba, Cheik Tiote, Tim Krul and Yohann Cabaye have all be the subject of speculation, and if any are sold and not adequately replaced, Coloccini may decide that Liverpool are more ambitious.
It will be up to him, but at present the case for leaving is not cut and dried, and it is more likely at this point he will elect to stay.
What do you think, is moving to Liverpool a step up from Newcastle?
images: © mikebrown59, © mikebrown59, © mikebrown59
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