Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Italian defender Alessio Romagnoli
According to Calciomercato, Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Italian international Alessio Romagnoli in a bid to strengthen their defence.
Eddie Howe’s men overperformed last season thanks to a brilliant defence. The Magpies conceded just 33 times in the Premier League on course to a top four finish. The same stinginess has been missing this time around. To put things into context, Newcastle have conceded just one goal fewer so far in the league having played 17 games fewer.
Sven Botman is our standout centre-back but the lack of quality next to him is worrying. Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett do not inspire fear and an upgrade is the need of the hour to shore up the backline.
Romagnoli is a much experienced player with experience of playing at the top level in Europe. The 29-year-old spent a large chunk of his career at AS Roma and AC Milan before moving to Lazio in 2022. While injuries have limited his impact under Maurizio Sarri, the quality is there.
The Italian star’s contract at Lazio runs until 2027 and it is unlikely that Newcastle will land him on the cheap. Romagnoli is currently in Saudi Arabia to take part in this year’s Supercoppa Italiana. Lazio face defending champions Inter Milan in the semifinal and the 29-year-old is focused on the task at hand.
However, the Italian star is open to a new challenge should the opportunity turn up. He has never played outside Italy before and given his age, Romagnoli is running out of time to make a move to the Premier League. Whether Newcastle will offer him the opportunity remains to be seen.
A solid passer, the centre-back is suited to the pass and move style of football that is relevant in football today. However, his tackling isn’t top tier and could prove to be an issue in the more physical Premier League. Life might not be too easy if he moves to Tyneside, after all it is no Milan or Italy. He does not have to go beyond Sandro Tonali to see that.
