Newcastle United are reportedly keen to land Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu this summer when the transfer window reopens.
According to the Daily Mirror, Newcastle United are planning to make a fresh move for Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu in the summer, with the centre-back set to leave Southampton if they suffer relegation from the Premier League this season.
This is not the first time the Magpies have been linked with a move for Salisu. Eddie Howe is a big admirer of the Ghana international and previously tried to sign him in January last year when he was still settling into the rigours of Premier League football. But a move never materialised.
The 23-year-old joined the Saints from Real Valladolid in an £11 million move in the summer of 2020 before gradually settling into the side during a slow first year at St. Mary’s riddled with injury problems. The Ghanaian international, who starred for his country at the World Cup in Qatar last year, has gone on to make 67 appearances in the Premier League, playing a pivotal role in helping the Saints stay afloat in the English top flight last season.
While the south-coast outfit have struggled for form and results this term season, Salisu has produced a string of strong performances at the back. He has not featured under new manager Ruben Selles due to injury, with Jan Bednarek and Armel Bella-Kotchap the two starting centre-backs in their 1-0 victory over Leicester City yesterday.
With Southampton languishing in the relegation zone, Salisu is anticipated to depart in the summer in the event of relegation from the Premier League. Even if they are successful in their survival bid, the Saints could well be forced to cash in on the versatile defender since he will be in the final 12 months of his contract at St. Mary’s come summer.
Five central defenders are on Newcastle’s books at the moment, with those being club captain Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Paul Dummett. However, long-serving left-footed defender Dummett will be out of contract in the summer, while the Magpies will also be open to listening to bids for Lascelles.
Therefore, signing a young and promising defender like Salisu to add quality to their defensive ranks could only be another step in the right direction for the Toon. Salisu has already demonstrated the ability to go toe-to-toe with established Premier League strikers, and more consistency should come as he gets more experience under his belt.
The left-footed centre-back is not just a powerhouse defender physically; he has displayed potential carrying the ball forward and spraying long passes forward to set off attacks, akin to Newcastle defender Botman. His exceptional numbers proves he’s one of the standout performers in the Premier League in terms of tackles, blocks, and clearances.
Simply put, Salisu has the ability to develop into a complete defender in the future. His contract situation means he would be available for a reasonable fee. It remains to be whether Newcastle come forward with a formal approach for Salisu in the summer.
