Newcastle United are in the market to strengthen their first team with Eddie Howe keen on improving last season’s 11th place finish. The Saudi owners are ready to invest heavily in the squad to make them competitive and achieve their goal of being amongst Europe’s elite.
Investing in a right-sided attacker is set to be one of the top priorities for the Magpies with Howe not happy with his current options which include Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy the only right-wingers at the club.
Let’s analyze why a move for Ismaila Sarr could be the right option for Howe and Co.
Cheaper Moussa Diaby alternative
According to various sources around the club, Newcastle have Moussa Diaby on top of their wishlist for the right-wing position but are reluctant to meet Bayer Leverkusen’s 80 million euro price tag. With a Champions League place secured in the recently concluded season, the German club will be stern negotiators and will sell their players on their terms similar to what happened during Kai Havertz’s transfer to Chelsea two years ago.
Meanwhile, Ismaila Sarr’s situation at Watford is completely the opposite with the Hornets prepared to let the Senegalese leave for a fee in the region of 30-40 million pounds.
Added threat on the wings
Allan Saint-Maximin’s skills have been terrorising the Tyneside’s opponents every game and Sarr’s arrival in the team would just worsen things for defenders. Ismaila Sarr has a similar playing style to the French winger with both the players elite 1v1 dribblers and clinical with their finishing. Howe’s counter-attacking style of play has been complementing Saint-Maximin and could do the same with Sarr too who has played in a similar system at Watford.
Ismaila Sarr – A guaranteed starter for next season
Sarr with his qualities easily walks into Newcastle’s squad and could partner Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson upfront. He is an instant upgrade on both Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy even adding considerable depth in attack.
The 24-year-old has produced impressive numbers during his time at Watford with 10 goals and 8 assists in the Premier League in 2 seasons. Though the numbers are low considering he is an attacker, he has played both seasons in teams which have been relegated and hasn’t had enough support in attack to unlock his full potential.
Author’s Opinion
The transfer of Diaby seems to be complicated as things stand and there are only 2 and a half weeks left until the new season starts. Sarr seems to be a very viable option and could be a good signing for the Magpies who can save money and invest it in other positions in the squad. The famous chant sung by the Toon army at St. James’ Park “Saint-Maximin on the wings….” could soon be changed to “Sarr and Maximin on the wings…..”
