Newcastle United should pay whatever it takes to bring Jesse Lingard to St. James’ Park.
The Magpies have been chasing the midfielder for most of the January transfer window, but have been unable to agree terms with Manchester United, who they deem as asking for too much. The Red Devils have reportedly asked to include a £12m bonus fee that Newcastle would be forced to pay the club if they are to avoid relegation this season.
The issue is that while United’s asking price for Lingard, who is out of contract in the summer, is a little high, the money they would pay for the 29-year-old would pale in comparison to the money they would lose out on if they were to be relegated.
The former England international would be crucial to Newcastle’s fight against relegation and would likely prove to be the difference on whether they remain in the Premier League or not.
Lingard could be difference-maker
After a loan spell last season at West Ham, Lingard proved he still had what it takes to be a top class Premier League player and, if given the chance, he could make a difference. That is exactly the sort of player Newcastle need right now.
The Magpies need goals. Only Norwich, Burnley and Wolves have scored fewer goals than Newcastle this season and sure, they have already signed a striker in Chris Wood, but Lingard is a much safer bet to provide them with the firepower they need to stay in the top flight.
The truth of the matter is Newcastle are going to have to pay over the odds right now as their status as one of the richest football clubs in the world is in its infancy. Clubs recognize the situation Eddie Howe’s side are in and are eager to take advantage.
This is something they just have to accept and come to terms with if they want any chance of bringing in the necessary cavalry to help steer them away from the bottom three.
Lingard has a point to prove and wants regular football. He wants to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans and Newcastle need to use that to their advantage and pay whatever it takes to bring him to the club and allow him to flourish alongside other players like Allan Saint-Maximin.