Newcastle United signed players in a lot of positions over the course of the summer transfer window. But somehow, one they seemed to miss is centre-back.
Perhaps the club were simply happy with the options that were available to them. But one could also argue that more could have been done in that area of the pitch.
Interestingly, the Magpies are now being linked with a Juventus defender. The issue is that several other top clubs also want to bring him from Turin.
Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and more in race to sign Pierre Kalulu
According to Tutto Juve, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City, Man Utd, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are regularly linked with Pierre Kalulu and would even pay significant sums to sign the French defender. PSG had also expressed interest in him.
On the other hand, it is believed that Juventus are keen to keep him. And they might even be looking to hand him a contract extension.
Kalulu is someone who can play both at centre-back and right-back with equal ease. If Newcastle United do end up signing him, one would expect them to put him in at the heart of defence rather than at full-back.
That is because the Magpies already have a ton of quality in that right-back position. Tino Livramento is good enough to be in the England national team setup. And Amar Dedic has been an absolute standout since joining the club this summer.
So, it is hard to imagine that they would want to bring in another right-back anytime soon. But as far as the centre-back options go, they could do with a bit of refreshment.
Newcastle need more centre-backs with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar in the twilight of their careers
Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34 years of age. Sven Botman has improved a lot since a nightmare pre-season campaign. And Malick Thiaw has been starting alongside him since the arrival of Jaissle as manager.
It would make sense though, to add another versatile option to the backline. And to be honest, it is rather surprising that it has not happened yet.
That being said, considering Juventus’ reluctance to part ways with Kalulu and some of the other clubs that are interested in him, it is hard to imagine that Newcastle United would be able to pull off a move anytime soon.
Never say never in football though. There is already a relationship between Juventus and Newcastle United, after they agreed a loan deal involving Nick Woltemade this summer.