10 Championship stars Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer
With Newcastle currently in talks to sign Norwich winger Jacob Murphy, it is clear Rafa Benitez is prepared to look to the Championship for players capable of making the Premier League step up.
Here's 10 Championship stars we believe Rafa could look to sign for NUFC this summer:
1. Chris Wood
Last Championship’s top scorer for 2016/17, Wood bagged an impressive 30 goals in all competitions for Leeds last season. The powerful striker stands 6ft 3’ tall but has impressive technique and a clear eye for goal. Following Gary Monk’s shock departure this summer, he could be sold at the right price.
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2. Fernando Forestieri
With 27 goals and 11 assists over the past two Championship seasons, the Sheffield Wednesday looks a player more than capable of making the Premier League step up. Like Matt Ritchie, he is a hard worker and someone who NUFC fans would grow to love. The diminutive Italian could be the answer to Newcastle’s no.10 problems?
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3. Helder Costa
The Portuguese winger was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season for Wolves last season, racking up an impressive 10 goals and 8 assists in the league. He wouldn’t come cheap, but the 23-year-old former Benfica man looks a real prospect.
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4. Pontus Jansson
Leeds United had one of the strongest defensive records in the Championship last season and Pontus Jansson’s presence at the back was a huge contributing factor. The 6ft 3’ Swedish International could be worth a look with the possibility of Grant Hanley and Chancel Mbemba being sold.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
5. Jota
The Spanish playmaker who bagged an impressive 12 goals and 5 assists in just 21 appearances for Brentford last season. Newcastle, along with West Ham and Everton, have been credited with an interest in the winger - who is said to be available for £8m as he enters the final year of his contract at Brentford.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
6. Dominic Iorfa
The England U-21 International has been tipped for big things but is yet to get his big move from Wolves. Iorfa stands 6ft 3’ tall, offering intimidating presence and impressive athleticism, being able to operate at right-back and centre-back – a player who could really thrive under Rafa Benitez’s guidance.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
7. Charlie Taylor
With Benitez looking to bring in added competition for Paul Dummett this summer, the attacking Leeds United left-back could be a shrewd signing. He is entering the last year of his contract so would be available at a knock-down fee, however NUFC would have to move quickly, with Taylor attracting interest from Burnley and West Brom.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
8. Jackson Irvine
The 24-year-old Australian International was instrumental in Burton’s Championship survival last season and looks set to move onto bigger things. The 6ft 2’ attacking midfielder netted 10 times and was the standout player in Newcastle’s 2-1 win away at the Pirelli Stadium.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
9. Stefan Johansen
Tom Cairney may have stolen the headlines in Fulham’s demolition job at St. James’ Park last season, but it was central-midfielder Stefan Johansen whose work didn’t go unnoticed to me. The combative yet creative midfielder works tirelessly and also contributed to 11 goals and 8 assists for Fulham last season. A considerable upgrade on Colback.
CLICK HERE to see the next Championship star Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer..
10. Ronaldo Vieira
The 18-year-old Leeds midfielder looks a real prospect. He made 38 appearances last season and has all the traits of a promising central midfielder, possessing a good blend of power, athleticism and technical ability. With the forward-thinking Benitez keen to build for the future, Vieira could be a player catching his eye.
