Dai takes a look at some tantalizing transfer possibilities involving Cymru players off to Newcastle United FC.

For a long time, I’ve wanted Newcastle United to be regularly active in the transfer windows, but with the ambition we’ve been lacking for a while. It finally looks to be happening as the club close in on Kieron Trippier. More movement is needed though to keep the club from relegation. Here I’m going to suggest why five Welsh regulars should make NUFC their new home, and why. 

Aaron Ramsey

It’s been confirmed by Allegri today that Rambo will “99%” be leaving Juventus. Ramsey is at a stage in his career where I don’t think many of the top clubs would spend the big money on wages he would want. Not because he isn’t good enough – he really is. A player with an injury record seen as sketchy, aged 31 is likely not an ideal signing for a club looking to the future.

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Newcastle on the other hand need a marquee signing, where the money isn’t a big deal to them and someone who can keep them up and move them to the next level. Midfield reinforcements are needed and I think the deal would work in the short and medium term for all sides. 

Joe Rodon

Joe Rodon has recently been more involved for Spurs, but only on the bench. The last time he started for the lillywhites was in November and that is the only league game he’s played this season. From a Wales perspective, and a personal perspective, he needs to play to continue his progression and player development.

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In the black and white stripes of Newcastle he would walk into the team and play every week. Given the way he plays too, he would be very popular amongst the Newcastle fans and this can only do his confidence the world of good ahead of the World Cup Playoffs. Rodon could also be Newcastle’s Vincent Kompany. Someone brought in as a leader who would be with the club for the whole ride. I see it as a great opportunity for him. 

Kieffer Moore

With Callum Wilson injured for 6/8 weeks, The Mags need a Plan B both in the short term and the long term. Moore is capable of mixing it at the top level as his international form shows. Moore would be a great hold up player for those around him, and someone who can move the ball effectively and quickly to players like Allain Saint Maximin, as well as provide the aerial threat which I feel is missing. He can even work well with the injury prone Wilson in the future and provide an alternative for him when Wilson is missing.

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He his mobile, faster than he looks and is good with both feet, especially when it comes to bringing others into play. I think he would be a great signing which would provide a benefit to both Wales and NUFC. 

Neco Williams

Neco has publicly stated that he wants to have game time ahead of the playoffs in March, and a club with no fit full backs needing a dynamic player seems like an ideal fit to me. The energetic high press which Eddie Howe favours would suit the Liverpool man, and his ability to provide an attacking threat giving Howe the tactical flexibility he likes.

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As stated with Rodon and Ramsey, he would play every week and his ability to play on either side would be invaluable. Equally, the system often employed by NUFC involves wingers – yet another role the youngster can fulfil. A win win for club and country. 

Danny Ward

Whilst it’s not an opinion I share too strongly, Newcastle are widely thought to want another goalkeeper. I wonder if Danny Ward could fit the bill? He’s reaching the peak of his career and needs the game time NUFC could offer him if they decide to make changes. His performances in the Euros may well have caught the eye, although equally his blunders in Prague may too have caught the eye, in the wrong way.

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Similar to Joe Rodon, perhaps he could be someone who can start the journey with the club, and be part of the foundations the “new” Newcastle United can be built on. His ball playing skills may also appeal to Howe and the coaching team who want to develop a philosophy of playing out from the back – something which Martin Drubravka seems less than confident with. 

There you have it. 5 signings which I think could be good moves for both club and country. I don’t think all of them will happen, but I do think that they are legitimate options. Ramsey and Rodon would be top of my list, and would be a huge boost to Newcastle in their bid to beat the drop, all whilst preparing two key players for the huge playoff games to come. 

St James Park image Photo © Steve Daniels (cc-by-sa/2.0)