Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League back in the 2022/23 season, which was their first under Saudi Arabian ownership, but they failed to repeat the trick in 2023/24 despite improved attacking output from breakout superstars Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
In that 2022/23 season, Newcastle didn’t have the greatest attacking reputation, but they had, by far, the best defense in the Premier League, anchored by the center back duo of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.
After Botman’s injury to close the 2023/24 season, Newcastle have realized the importance of adding depth in central defense. And even though they signed a starting-caliber central defender in Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth for free, they are interested in a more ambitious signing.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi appears to be at the top of the wishlist after a few attempts for AC Milan’s starting center backs fell through, but Guehi isn’t the only big name on their radar.
According to a report from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope and Sami Mokbel, Newcastle are showing interest in RB Leipzig center back and right back Mohamed Simakan before the close of the summer 2024 window,
Simakan is one of the most underrated center backs in world football despite putting together several seasons of successful play as a starter for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
We are talking about a guy who has proven his mettle against the likes of Real Madrid on the biggest stage. Simakan has been a regular starter in Europe’s top five since 2019 but is still only 24 years old.
There’s no doubt that Simakan’s defensive versatility would help any team, but it is especially useful for Newcastle, who could start him at right back with veteran Kieran Trippier likely departing St. James’s Park soon.
Simakan could be cheaper than Guehi, so that is another aspect to think about here. He is of similar quality to Guehi at less of a cost, and, therefore, it is wise for Newcastle to have the Leipzig star on their radar.
