Time is running out in the transfer window but Newcastle could complete another swoop as they look to enhance their league position and progress in the FA Cup.
Newcastle have added two players so far in Nabil Bentaleb and Valentino Lazaro but one area in need of improvement is the attack, with Newcastle’s four strikers scoring just three goals between them.
It seems Steve Bruce is aware of the issue, too, and has targeted Borussia Dortmund’s Paco Alcacer as a result, with the 26-year-old possibly available on loan following the arrival of Erling Haaland.
The Spaniard is hopeful of game time in order to win inclusion in Spain’s squad for Euro 2020, according to The Sun, who also report that a £25m clause could be put in place for the Magpies to sign the striker at the end of his loan spell.
Moving to Newcastle would be a big change in scenery for Alcacer, as he has previously played for high profile clubs such as Barcelona and Valencia, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the Premier League should he come to England.
Our team of Football FanCast writers have shared their views on the player, and whether he’d be a good addition for the north-east outfit.
Lewis Blain
“Paco Alcacer would be one of the signings of the season if Newcastle can secure him. They have no right to be in the frame to sign such a prolific marksman, so if they can pull it off then Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley must be lauded.
“It is no secret that the Magpies’ biggest problem is scoring goals. Their top goalscorer is Jonjo Shelvey on five, then a quarter of centre-backs and full-back are next on two goals. Between the strikeforce of Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll and Joelinton, they have managed just the one goal (per WhoScored). Abysmal.
“The 26-year-old has netted 23 goals in 37 appearances in the German top-flight for Borussia Dortmund, which is no mean feat. Alcacer also carries Valencia and Barcelona on his CV – so he’ll certainly be able to resolve Bruce’s striking headache.
“A loan with a view to a £25m deal also has to be considered a bargain after splashing £40m on Joelinton this summer. Make no bones about it, this would be a monumental coup for Newcastle if it comes off.”
Jonathan Radcliffe
“You can’t knock Paco Alcacer’s scoring record – in just 11 starts for Borussia Dortmund last term in the Bundesliga, he scored 18 goals, and even though he has just six starts this time around, he has managed to net five times.
“He also has 12 strikes in 19 caps for Spain – quite frankly, he shouldn’t even be linked with Newcastle. However, if they were to be in a position to capture striker, this is not a deal they should pursue. Whilst he may be prolific, he doesn’t suit the system. He has thrived with Die Schwarzgelben and Spain, two teams who rely on passing football – Dortmund averaged 56.8% possession last season, and had 13.2 shots per game.
“Steve Bruce’s side, meanwhile, have averaged just 39.1% and 9.7 respectively. Joelinton, who joined in the summer, has had just 1.5 shots per match despite starting all but once in the Premier League – Alcacer had two per match despite coming on from the bench 15 times. Signing him would be a gross error of judgement from the Toon, even if his record is impressive.”
Viji Jeevathayalan
“To lure Paco Alcacer from Borussia Dortmund to St James’ Park would be a real statement of intent from Newcastle. The Spaniard has proven himself to be an elite finisher in both Spain and Germany, and his clinical nature is exactly what Steve Bruce needs.
“As per Sofascore, the striker is averaging a goal every 107 minutes this season in the Bundesliga, whilst his performances last season were even more ridiculous. Alcacer was finding the back of the net every 67 minutes in the German top-flight, and that reliability in front of goal can propel Newcastle forward.
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“Despite arriving in a £40m deal last summer, Joelinton has failed to deliver, with the Brazilian scoring just once all season in the Premier League. Alcacer can offer far greater consistency in front of goal, and help ease Bruce’s worries.”
Kealan Hughes
“Newcastle have been linked with a few strikers this month such as Alfredo Morelos, Moussa Dembele and Josef Martinez, but Paco Alcacer is perhaps not the right man for the team at this current moment in time, despite scoring seven goals in 15 games this term.
“He may have a glamourous career and a good record in Germany, but he is used to playing in top teams which dominate the ball and provide countless chances for him, and that means joining the Magpies could be a big wake up call.
“Alcacer would have to operate effectively on the counter-attack to suit Steve Bruce’s system and there is little to suggest he would be capable of that, and therefore the club would be better suited to a more combative forward who can create chances for themselves, like Morelos, who has nine assists this season.”
Meanwhile, one high-profile pundit has spoken about a key Newcastle individual in recent days and his comments should perk the interest of fans.