Newcastle United’s ongoing damage disaster is an indication that the membership did not strengthen sufficient in the summertime.
Contemplating the Magpies had been gearing up for his or her first Champions League marketing campaign in twenty years, solely recruiting 5 new gamers has confirmed to be their downfall.
Other than being six factors behind fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur within the Premier League, Eddie Howe’s aspect are backside of their Champions League group following consecutive defeats in opposition to Borussia Dortmund.
While they will nonetheless salvage their marketing campaign and attain the knockout phases, it’s a tough process and the Toon desperately want the January window to rectify a squad that has been decimated by accidents.
With Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar all sidelined, recruiting a brand new centre-back is a precedence and Ousmane Diomande is prime of their listing of targets.
Newcastle switch information – Ousmane Diomande
In response to the Chronicle, Newcastle may take a look at Sporting Lisbon’s resolve by launching a £58m bid for his or her extremely rated centre-back.
After setting a £70m launch clause in his contract, Sporting are unlikely to budge on their valuation of the participant, however the Magpies may take a look at the waters with an preliminary bid.
His rise, like his valuation, has been fast however Newcastle have proven they’re ready to go away the room if brokers or golf equipment demand loopy cash.
Thought-about probably the most promising African prospect enjoying in Europe, Diomande is a sought-after commodity and has a number of golf equipment chasing him, together with divisional rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
With a bidding struggle for the 19-year-old more likely to ensue, both in January or subsequent summer season, sporting director Dan Ashworth might want to work extra magic for the Toon to drive him in direction of St James’ Park.
It’s clear that Newcastle – like most golf equipment – are planning for the long-term with their transfers and having risen to stardom for the Portuguese giants this time period, Diomande could be an enormous improve on present defender, Burn.
The stats that present Diomande could be an improve on Burn
When Newcastle are blessed with a completely match squad, Burn has been Howe’s first-choice left-back, that includes in that place on 14 events this season after establishing himself as a key determine within the squad.
The 31-year-old, who arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022, has reworked right into a cult hero since becoming a member of, nonetheless, he may grow to be surplus to necessities if the Magpies are to grow to be common European challengers.
With Newcastle shifting in direction of a extra possession-based model this time period, Howe is wanting so as to add a ball-playing centre-back to problem the likes of Schar and Botman.
Described as “immense” by journalist Antonio Mango with the ball at his toes, Diomande may very well be the right candidate for the job, having showcased his magnificence and tranquility in possession at Sporting.
In contrast, Burn’s 6 foot 6 body means he by no means appears snug with the ball at his toes and he is showcased his struggles as a ball-playing defender this time period.
Ousmane Diomande vs Dan Burn 23/24 statistics |
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---|---|---|
Statistics |
Ousmane Diomande (Premeira Liga) |
Dan Burn (Premier League) |
Move completion % |
89.6% |
82.4% |
Shot-creating actions |
1.72 |
0.76 |
Progressive passes |
5.65 |
3.05 |
Profitable take-ons |
0.77 |
0.10 |
Carries into the ultimate third |
0.96 |
0.29 |
Passes into the ultimate third |
7.28 |
2.76 |
All stats by way of FBref |
Regardless of working predominantly as a left-back with the license to push ahead, Burn does not come near eclipsing the flexibility that Diomande has with the ball at his toes.
As delineated by the desk above, the “unbelievable” teen, as dubbed by Mango, beats the Englishman in each possession-based and ball-carrying statistic, together with progressive passes, profitable take-ons and carries into the ultimate third.
With this in thoughts, Howe must plan for the long run by ruthlessly ditching Burn for the Ivory Coast worldwide.