Report: Newcastle make first move to sign £38m defender, but something does not add up

Newcastle United have already completed a deal for Lloyd Kelly, but he is not the only centre-back that the Magpies want to sign this summer.

Eddie Howe would also like to add a new right-sided centre-back to his squad, with Newcastle eventually needing to identify Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement.

Right now, it is difficult to envision who Newcastle United will bring in. It will largely depend on how big the Magpies’ summer budget is, with a huge chunk of it expected to go towards a right winger.

Whoever arrives could cost as much as £60million, which may limit Newcastle’s ability to splash out on a centre-back. For example, Marc Guehi has been linked and would be perfect, but he is definitely going to cost more than £50million if he is to leave Crystal Palace.

READ MORE: Newcastle confirmed signings, departures, loans & released players in the summer transfer window 2024

Newcastle linked with Alessandro Buongiorno

Now a cheaper option has emerged for Newcastle, with a report in Italy claiming that Toon officials have got their eye on a player who is currently at Euro 2024.

Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

According to Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle United have made contact about possibly signing Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno. They report that the Magpies have received information about the 25-year-old, who is part of the Italy squad at this summer’s Euros.

Buongiorno is yet to feature for the reigning champions, who were beaten 1-0 by Spain on Thursday night after an incredible performance from Nico Williams.

Corriere dello Sport add that Torino want a deal worth £38million for Buongiorno, who is also attracting a lot of interest from Napoli.

Alessandro Buongiorno rumours make little sense for Newcastle

It is a new name for Newcastle United fans to ponder, but it is a rumour that does not make much sense.

While the Magpies are looking to sign another centre-back this summer, it would be really strange if they splashed out on a player like Buongiorno.

That is because he is actually left-footed, and usually operates as a left-sided centre-back – or in the middle of a back three.

That is exactly what Newcastle do not need, especially after the arrival of Lloyd Kelly. He is also left-footed, and has the same kind of versatility as Dan Burn – who is another left-footed defender.

Between them, they will provide cover for Newcastle’s first choice left-sided centre-back, with Sven Botman, who is also left-footed, currently out of action after suffering an ACL injury.

While theoretically you could play with two left-footers, it is highly unlikely that Howe will go down that route. Therefore, there is surely no reason for Newcastle to sign Buongiorno, especially not when he is going to cost £38million.

The post Report: Newcastle make first move to sign £38m defender, but something does not add up appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.