Newcastle’s fine winter window can improve by re-capturing star
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Results on the pitch haven’t quite been what’s required for Newcastle this January, but the club can be mightily pleased with what they’ve achieved during the month’s transfer window, and the Magpies aren’t quite done yet.
Following the arrivals of Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet to bolster Steve McClaren’s central-midfield options, a fee has been agreed with Tottenham for the rarely seen winger Andros Townsend.
In a change from the heavily French-based raids the club has made in transfer windows gone by, the club are looking to add yet more Premier League experience to their squad with a pursuit of Chelsea striker Loic Remy.
The club are, of course, well aware of what the Blues bench-warmer can bring to their side. The 29-year-old netted 14 league goals in 26 top-flight outings for Newcastle during a loan spell from QPR in 2013/14.
His performances that term helped convince Chelsea to make him Diego Costa’s understudy the following season but, as many that swap bottom-half clubs for the elite do, found that first-team opportunities come at a premium.
Just 29 Premier League games over one-and-a-half seasons has led to the possibility of Remy rejoining the Magpies.
The eight goals he has scored, in fractured appearances in that time, shows he is still capable of having an effect when afforded regular starts.
Only three Newcastle players have scored more than two league goals this term, so Remy’s arrival is certainly justified on the basis that few in the current squad are doing enough in front of goal to keep the side up.
Some may question the price tag, thought to be around £12m, as being too costly for a player of Remy’s age.
Signing the 31-cap French star for the same money as Townsend, who is five years younger, certainly seems a strange policy, but with Newcastle 10/11 to go down with Ladbrokes stocking up on Premier League nous is more important than the amount of money they spend.
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