Newcastle tipped to sign three more defenders after journalist’s £16m Bakker reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Newcastle United are set to take a “risk” this month after reportedly tabling a bid for Bayer Leverkusen defender Mitchel Bakker.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Magpies could end up with a brand new back four by the end of the window.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Thursday (20 January), Newcastle tabled a £14.5million offer for Bakker, with Leverkusen willing to negotiate a deal for the left-back.
In an update today (22 January), journalist Craig Hope claims the German outfit are prepared to sell the 21-year-old for £16million.
Whelan suggested buying three or four new defenders would be a gamble for Newcastle.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “He’s got a great background. He’s come through the right way.
“Everyone that comes through at Ajax, you know they’re going to get brought up on how to play football. His technique is going to be spot on.
“Then obviously going to PSG, you don’t go to PSG unless you are a very good player. Even Bayer Leverkusen, a good, German, solid team.
“They’re looking for that balance, aren’t they? They’ve got Trippier and they’re looking for that balance down that left-hand side now with a new player.
“Then maybe another centre half or two. You’re pretty much looking at a brand new backline. It’s going to take them time to gel and get used to one another.
“There’s another risk, isn’t there? They won’t know each other’s games strongly enough to give them the opportunity to get that foundation together.”
Bakker, a Netherlands under-21 international, has played 15 times for Leverkusen this season.
He made 45 appearances for PSG and two for Ajax.
In other news, Newcastle United tipped to “break the bank” for four signings next week.