A former youth coach of a player linked with a move to Newcastle United has criticized the club’s apparent decision to consider alternative options for their defense. Newcastle is reportedly looking to bolster their center-back options in the upcoming transfer windows.
Last summer, their acquisition of Sven Botman from Lille proved to be a resounding success, as the Dutch defender seamlessly adapted to life at Newcastle and consistently performed at a high level in the Premier League. His partnership with Fabian Schar played a pivotal role in the team’s qualification for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and reaching their first major cup final since 1999.
However, Jamaal Lascelles, the club captain, provided capable backup during Botman’s recent injury absence. Both Lascelles and the Swiss international Schar are approaching the final months of their contracts at St James Park, and decisions regarding their future remain uncertain.
As a result, the club’s recruitment staff is exploring various options in the Premier League and abroad to enhance the strength of the squad under manager Eddie Howe’s leadership and compete for major honors in the upcoming years. They have been keeping tabs on players like Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace, and Benfica’s highly-rated youngster Antonio Silva. However, recent reports suggest that they have reservations about Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio.
Inacio has reportedly been scouted by Newcastle, Liverpool, and Manchester United, but there are concerns about his development. Newcastle is reportedly considering other options, a decision that youth coach Leonel Pontes, who worked with Inacio in Sporting’s academy, strongly disagrees with.
According to Pontes, Inacio has been an almost constant starter for the past two years and has even earned a place in the national team. He has consistently improved in various aspects of his game, and in Pontes’ opinion, Inacio would be a good fit for a team that emphasizes building up from the defense, such as Newcastle. Pontes believes there is room for Inacio in English football and suggests that Newcastle should reconsider their stance.
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