Football Ghana are claiming that a “leading source” at Newcastle has expressed that the club are interested in signing defensive midfielder Afriyie Acquah from Empoli.
Newcastle were linked with this player two summers ago when he was at Torino and were even said to be considering a swap deal involving Aleksandar Mitrovic for him.
This is what is stated in the report:
Newcastle United have expressed interest in signing Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah in the on-going summer transfer window, according to a leading source at St James Park.
Footballghana.com understands that Steve Bruce has asked for time to consider the interest of the departing Rafa Benitez group in the player and a decision on bidding for the 27-year could be finalised next week.
They are reporting that this player was a target of Rafa Benitez and will now be considered by Steve Bruce. That seems like a very tenuous link to us.
Afriyie Acquah– strong link to player in 2017
The twenty-seven-year-old Ghanaian left Torino to join Empoli for just €1m last summer. He played 28 times for the Serie A club last season.
He has also been capped 33 times for his national team.
We are not sure about this link as it seems that it went cold a few years ago. Since he moved to Empoli last summer for just €1m, that would have been a good time for Newcastle to go for him if there was genuine interest.
The report says the Acquah could be bought now for a fee of less than £5m.
As it stands now, Newcastle will be looking for defensive midfield cover. It remains to be seen if Isaac Hayden will be leaving the club but the best scenario is that we do keep hold of him.
Though Acquah might be seen as a replacement for Mo Diame who left on a free this summer to Qatari club Al Ahli. If Hayden does leave we will need to make sure he is replaced with a quality player.
76 comments so far
jazzyp
Jul 19, 2019 at 6:50 PM
Comment #1JohnReese
Agree mate how no Championship side have come in for him. The Lad has starred at every England level, Received accolades while on loan at Kilmarnock. And Rafa could have sold him on but chose him over Mat sels.
If he’s good enough for Rafa then good enough for me mate.
The trouble is players are written off to quickly nowadays. Take a look at Hayden, He use to get some right stick on here. Now I would imagine he would be in everyone’s starting 11 as the team stands
IrishRob
Jul 19, 2019 at 6:52 PM
Comment #2If hes cheap bring him in!!
West Lancs Geordie
Jul 19, 2019 at 6:56 PM
Comment #3So plane spotters and helicopter anoraks must be put on standby again next week if they believe that Joelinton transfer is not FAKE NEWS. The German press and media are reporting it as a done deal but every journalist worth his salt was reporting the sale of NUFC as a done deal and look what happened. Absolutely nothing and we are all still sat under the mushroom syndrome.
Anything reported about the Toon is pure fantasy.
JohnReese
Jul 19, 2019 at 6:59 PM
Comment #4Jazzyp, it has always been a mystery that nobody in the championship has asked for him (that we know of) although perhaps like a number of us, they look at his frame and worry that he might not be able to cope with more aggressive play in the championship.
I think he either ends up somewhere like Scotland, similar to Forster and in a few years time we regret letting him go or we get an injury to Dubravka and he comes into the team for an extended run and just runs with it and makes himself the number 1. Similar to Nick Pope at Burnley when he came in.
It’s so difficult as a coach to bring in a young goalkeeper, more than any position your mistakes get so publicised as they inevitably lead to a goal. It’s down to having both a brave player who can deal with that pressure and brave manager to give him the chance and stick with him after he does make the mistakes that he inevitably will.
If you were looking at it objectively, Dubravka gets injured and you’ve got Darlow, Elliot and Woodman to choose from in a league match, realistically who do you choose? I think most, as much as you’d like to think you’d give the young lad a chance, with your job/reputation on the line you pick one of the two with more experience.
jazzyp
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:06 PM
Comment #5Johnreese
Again mate how do you get experience without playing. I think it was only a few month ago Arsenal and Celtic enquired about the kid,So somebody see’s something in him.If we had any ambition the likes of Elliott,Darlow,Colback,Aarrons,Murphy,Lazaar should be nowhere near the first team and the youngsters brought through much like Longstaff, After all that’s what could be the future of Nufc.
ToonRich
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:07 PM
Comment #6I see Woody in a similar position to Dean Henderson of Man U…stuck behind an international gk with limited chances. Hendo went to Sheff U and look how he’s progressed & he’s now getting his chance int the EPL as the Blades #1…this is what should have happened with Woody a season or 2 ago!!
I’d like to see him given more time, just cant see how unless Dubs gets injured!!
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:08 PM
Comment #7Tom
I think Jib will get community service… dredging the ouseburn at Byker and picking up litter in Old Eldon …perhaps a spot of gardening for Charnley.
Now are there any suggestions as what punishment a Magistrate could hand down to Wor Jib for his streaking escapade ? ( If he takes me up on my offer )
Red lipstick Jib mind .
JohnReese
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:12 PM
Comment #8The last time we brought through a young goalkeeper it took us dropping into the championship and Harper having an injury for Krul to be given his real chance. I do worry he won’t make it with us and with everything going on at the moment I’ve not heard a single thing about a new contract being discussed with him.
ToonRich, that’s a great shout actually. He’s in a very similar position to what Henderson was in a year ago. I know with everything he’s said lately in the media everyone is quite down on Shola but I really hope with his new position we can see Woodman and a few of the other young lads get some good loan moves this year.
#boycott Arsenal
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:15 PM
Comment #9Wearside Jack is Diame’s replacement and Saivet is Hayden’s.
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:20 PM
Comment #10Whatever happened to Forster, became Southampton’s main man , picked for England , had a few iffy games and now he’s disappeared into goalkeeper graveyard
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:20 PM
Comment #11OLG
Seek help fella
Two months ago you were wetting your knickers
about a take-over
Now
You are trying to metamorphose into a leading
Ashley opponent
Give us serious NUFC supporters a break ffs.
jazzyp
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:21 PM
Comment #12To be fair I thought Young Jak Alnwick would have done better than he has
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:21 PM
Comment #13Could probably buy him back for a couple of million
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:23 PM
Comment #14Elmohamady spotted arriving at Bupa Jesmond .
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:24 PM
Comment #15Jib – most people on here were wetting pants at takeover – it’s all over , presuming it was ever on – I don’t see an issue with fans now rallying and putting energy into giving Ashley ( voted the items worst owner ) bad press – what’s your issue with that ?
bill
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:24 PM
Comment #16Is Jan Oblak available? I’m sure I heard MA has put out feelers about him, and he will be joining us soon as Atletico accept the £5 million.
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:25 PM
Comment #17OLG
Footy’s (NUFC) version of the Vicar of Bray
The next Mike Williamson
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:25 PM
Comment #186000 miles away generally OLG, although i’m in London this month.
toonces,
Maguire was very well know when Hull got him for £2m, and Robertson was established at Dundee Utd along with that other young kid who went to Sporting. I mean does Bruce actually bring players through. Clucas yes, he was decent hardworker. McManaman another grafter maybe not that talented though. Did Bruce bring through Henderson & Colback? I cant remember Birmingham bringing anyone through, if my memory is correct they were a team of journeymen. In my eyes none of these defensive dinosaur brit managers play youths.
JohnReese
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:25 PM
Comment #19Forster was a strange one, I think he had a bad injury and then like you said Mindshaft, had a few bad performances and he’s just never had another chance. Hopefully he gets a move this summer and can start playing regularly again.
Jak’s sitting on the Rangers bench now I think, isn’t he Jazzyp? He was another one who was highly thought of through the youth levels. Anyone remember Ole Sodeberg? I think was his name. I believe he’s a DJ now.
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:25 PM
Comment #20Jib
You had a sense of Humor bypass ?
Only joking man !
If always been a massive outspoken anti Ashley man.
People here will vouch for that.
Div
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:27 PM
Comment #21TNMW
Only 6000 miles away ?,there’s no excuse for you not popping along then !
See you there .
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:27 PM
Comment #22For the 2019 season Ole Söderberg signed with AFC Eskilstuna
in Sweden
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:28 PM
Comment #23Jib
North Shields own version of Stan Laurel.
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:29 PM
Comment #24OLG
You jump on whatever bandwagon is passing
It doesn’t make you a bad person
Just a bit of a knob
jazzyp
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:29 PM
Comment #25JohnReese
Couldn’t tell ya pal if I am honest.Last time I heard anything he was at Port vale for a while.Always had a soft spot for keepers because there is no middle ground for them. You make a mistake as a midfielder and it is not really picked up,Make one as a keeper and the whole world knows about it
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:32 PM
Comment #26Was worried Jib had morphed into Baloney… One idiot on the blog is enough thanks 🙂
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:32 PM
Comment #27Jib
It’s a football blog ..Im not changing my principles I’v always detested the fat bloke who rules uz
It’s not like I’m trying to maintain ecclesiastical office ..cheeky bugger.
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:34 PM
Comment #28Online Guy
Jib
You had a sense of Humor bypass ?
Online Guy
Jib
North Shields own version of Stan Laurel.
Make your mind up
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:35 PM
Comment #29Jib
If always stuck with Ashley out sentiments ..where have I changed tack ?
Think your having a laugh ..I like you Jib ..I can see through you ..your having fun.
S’alright ..your harmless enough . Good bloke really.
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:36 PM
Comment #30Jib
I meant daft as brush ..Stan was close to home for you so thought it apt .
He always seemed to be whinging
Jib
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:37 PM
Comment #31I hope this act of piracy by Iran doesn’t escalate
Tony Baloney
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:38 PM
Comment #32HIYA Jazzy P.
One idiot on this blog?
You might need a few more counting fingers.
JohnReese
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:38 PM
Comment #33Thanks for that Jib, he was one I got wrong. Really thought he could make it with us.
Yeah Jazzyp, probably one of the worst positions on the pitch. You could make 10 worldie saves and one stupid mistake but we all know what would be getting shown on MOTD that night.
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:39 PM
Comment #34Actually I watched that Steve Coogan portrayal of Stan Laurel the other day – he played the part pretty well … Sorry, non footy related
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:40 PM
Comment #35Oh gawd: the idiot who never sleeps returns
Tony Baloney
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:41 PM
Comment #36Sorry, Meant Mindshaft but Jazzyp is just as bad.
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:43 PM
Comment #37Jib
Can’t wait for the football season to start mind
I miss your analysis of our games, always hilarious !
Iv dusted off the Roger Nouvea trophy in readiness .
Would be great if you could retain the trophy 3 years running.
jazzyp
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:44 PM
Comment #38Tony
May I ask why as we have never engaged in a conversation of note ??
Online Guy
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:44 PM
Comment #39Mindshaft
Jobs woke Tony up ..he gave him a shake.
Mindshaft
Jul 19, 2019 at 7:45 PM
Comment #40Baloney … Jazzyp? Thank you for proving my point 😀