Two European full-backs Newcastle could target in January
The January transfer window is now open. Newcastle United should really be trying to do some business this month to inject some freshness to the squad. Full back is a position that is lacking depth, while more quality would be useful in other areas of the pitch, such as central midfield and out wide.
The Alexander Isak money will be burning a hole in the club’s pocket, but there will be an awareness that next season’s budget is far from secure, with Europe not guaranteed. Since the takeover, plenty of people from the club have suggested January won’t be a window they prioritise. Despite the need for a fresh face or two, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them bring nobody in. A lot will depend on whether a suitable player is available or not.
Below, we identify two potential targets for the club to look at as we look to add depth in full-back areas.
Joaquin Seys – Club Brugge
The full back position is the one that we need more options in most desperately. Joaquin Seys is a left back, who can also play on the right side. This season, he has made 18 starts on the left and three on the right. This versatility makes him an attractive option for the club, as he could fulfil a similar squad role to Tino Livramento.
In addition to his versatility, Seys is a 20-year-old with a lot of experience. He has played in the Champions League and already has two caps for Belgium. Given the club’s current position, we need to find players before they become world class and Seys fits that profile.
Seys’ greatest strength is his progressive qualities. He averages 6.52 progressive passes and 2.92 progressive carries per ninety minutes, both placing him in the top 10% among full backs. In the other half of the pitch, he is aggressive in his defensive style, making 2.72 tackles per ninety minutes.
Similar to Livramento, he is a player that doesn’t have the best attacking numbers. This season, he has a goal and two assists across the Belgian league and the Champions League, so there is room for development in that regard.
Givairo Read – Feyenoord
Another exciting young full-back option plays for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. Givairo Read has a similar profile to Jurrien Timber, who is currently thriving for Arsenal. He has played all of his minutes at right back, so may lack the versatility of Seys, but he remains a very interesting talent.
In the league, he has three assists to his name and he managed to score a goal in the Europa League. His attacking output did improve as he gained more experience in the first team, which suggests he is growing in confidence in senior football.
Read averages 0.11 non-penalty expected goals and 0.23 expected assisted goals, both placing him in the top 10% among full-backs. This highlights his attacking abilities, but he has a small sample size that is worth noting. Further to this, the Dutch league is a weaker league and a drop-off would be expected in a top five league.
Defensively, he would need to be coached further, as he is inexperienced. Seys would be a signing that could make a more immediate impact, but Read has a high ceiling. Both should be in our thoughts.
