Rio Ferdinand has urged Newcastle United to sign Wilfried Zaha in January to increase their chances of a top-four finish this season.
Newcastle United have a brilliant strategy to thank for the exponential rise in stature since last January. It was back then when the world realised a glimpse of the financial power the club possessed under new owners. The Magpies dashed the transfer window and made some excellent signings that helped their cause to get out of the relegation dogfight.
The Tyneside giants were active in the summer transfer window and brought in more players without any statement signings. Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak joined on big deals, but these names are hardly considered superstars.
On the pitch, Newcastle United are showing sensational form, losing once in their 14 games, with the latest result a 4-1 thrashing of Southampton. They currently sit in the third spot ahead of Tottenham and five points behind second-placed Manchester City.
At the start of the season, the Magpies were hoping for a top-six finish. But going by their current form, they might as well challenge for a Champions League spot. A few good signings in the upcoming January transfer window will boost their chances of such a finish, but Eddie Howe will have to pick and choose carefully.
BT Sport Pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has given a name to consider for Newcastle. Ferdinand, on his YouTube channel FIVE, has suggested the Magpies should make a dash for Wilfried Zaha and probably sell Allan Saint-Maximin in January. He suggested Zaha would improve them and not wait too long before approaching.
Ferdinand said, “If I am Newcastle, I would buy him straight off. I would take him, and I would sell Saint-Maximin. Or I would have them both. He scores more than Saint-Maximin. Keep Saint-Maximin or whatever, but Wilfried Zaha at Newcastle is a problem.”
Zaha is in the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace, with considerable interest from top clubs. If Newcastle are to enter the chase, they will have to fend off challenges from London clubs. Zaha is comfortable in the capital, and it will take a hard push to convince him to move out.
Moreover, Zaha is at the top of his game and would improve any side, let alone Newcastle, in the short to medium term. Signing him can help cement a place in the top four for the Magpies, but any chase would have to be concrete.
