Newcastle United’s season has been hamstrung by injury. They might still qualify for European football next season, but they have been unable to match the heights of 2022-23 under manager Eddie Howe.
Their fourth-placed finish in 2022-23 saw them qualify for the Champions League this time around. But a massive injury list, that continues to see new names added by the week, has dogged the Tyneside club.
As things stand, 12 senior players are on the sidelines. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and it has left Howe lacking options in the middle of the defence.
Fabian Schar remains reliable, while Dan Burn has been moved into the middle from left-back – reducing the quality Newcastle have on the left. Especially, with Matty Targett and Lewis Hall picking up knocks.
Newcastle United need options in the middle of the defence
While it is still a solid season for Newcastle, it is a step backwards. So much, that Howe’s future has come under the microscope of late, wth Sam Allardyce saying he is hopeful nothing happens to the Toon boss.
Come the summer, Newcastle will look to improve their strength in depth especially if they qualify for Europe and a centre-back or two will surely be top of the agenda given injuries to Botman and Lascelles.
Perhaps, not a starting option – given the combination of Schar and Botman. But one that can bring in competition for Botman and Schar and ultimately is an improvement on captain Lascelles, this summer.
That is why Newcastle should be on red alert after The Guardian claim West Ham have put Algerian ace Nayef Aguerd up for sale. The £30m man starred in his first season at West Ham, but has struggled since.
What Kevin Nolan has said about West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd
Described as both “quick” and a “revelation” by Martin Keown, Aguerd has fallen out of the West Ham side of late – with David Moyes preferring captain Kurt Zouma and summer signing Dinos Mavropanos.
Kevin Nolan, who is on West Ham’s coaching staff but obviously played for Newcastle, said he was West Ham’s signing of the season in 22-23 and obviously, he is proven in the Premier League. He is still 28.
A left-footed centre-back, he would be excellent cover and good competition for Botman, while he is out – and then, when the Dutchman returns. He cost West Ham £30m, and that price is likely to have reduced.
Aguerd is a top defender and would provide Newcastle with a Premier League-proven, left-footed centre-back. A position that is desperately in need of strengthening. They have to be considering him.
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