As popular a player as Aleksandar Mitrovic has proved to be for Newcastle United, it seems the Serbian’s time on Tyneside will soon be up. Dropped from the last two squads completely, both Daryl Murphy and Dwight Gayle have been preferred to the former Anderlecht striker, and recent reports suggest he could be set for a summer exit.
In truth, painstaking as it is to say, the man heralded as the next Newcastle No.9 has so often looked at sixes and sevens during his time at St. James’ Park. Cast your minds back to his debut against Southampton on the first day of the 2015/16 campaign, when pretty much every home supporter rose to applaud the sight of Mitrovic warming up on the touchline. In fact, even by the time Steve McClaren brought him on for Papiss Cisse in the 75th minute, he was no stranger to a Newcastle United applause.
Still, just a few seconds later, the Toon Army were privy to the side of his game that makes him such a divisive figure. A reckless tackle on defender Matt Targett really could (and probably should) have resulted in a red card, of which he received two of over the course of his first season on these shores.
There’s little doubting his quality, though it needs to be channelled into the right direction. As recently as the 2-0 win over Aston Villa last month, the 22-year-old conducted himself in the right manner – retaining the physical prowess that makes him such a threat – though performing his role as a central striker with an impressive discipline. There have also been big goals against Sunderland, Norwich and West Bromwich Albion (a personal favourite) in the Premier League as well as crucial winners against Wolves and Preston in the second tier.
It’s easy to see why supporters love him, though to see why Rafael Benitez would rather use other options makes for just as clear reading.
So, if Mitrovic is to leave over the course of the summer, who exactly would replace him? The obvious choice would be an emotional move for West Ham United striker Andy Carroll, who has been linked with moves away from east London. Indeed, a recent report in the Chronicle hinted that the much maligned Graham Carr had frequently suggested the club make a move for the man they sold for £35m in 2011.
Clearly, Carroll brings with him other risks. His injury record with the Hammers is quite frankly awful and, presumably, he’d cost a rather large amount of money. Pep Guardiola recently talked about the premium at which English players come in the market these days, and Mike Ashley is never likely to splash money on a man who represents such an injury risk.
The idea of seeing Carroll return to his boyhood charges is a sentimental one, something touted even back in his Liverpool days. However, it bears a strange comparison to Michael Owen’s move to St. James’ Park back in 2005.
Signing the 28-year-old would no doubt be a statement, particularly for a side (potentially) just promoted into the Premier League. Perhaps not as monumental a message as Owen brought upon his arrival over a decade ago, though the club are fighing on different fronts these days. Still, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker shows what a poor investment spending big money on a man prone to such injuries can be, even if Newcastle’s rather large heart yearns for a signing of that ilk.
Mitrovic lets his heart rule over his head, Newcastle shouldn’t do the same on the transfer front. The Michael Owen saga should tell them that.
[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]