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Opinion

Should Newcastle spend £10m on Charlie Austin?

9 years ago
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Let’s put aside the question of whether Mike Ashley would spend £10million on a single player this summer. Let’s instead ask, if that money was available, would it be wise to invest it in signing Charlie Austin?

When it comes to star names, especially in the current climate, then £10million is probably not going to get you one of the stellar crop of footballers. It may be that Austin lacks the excitement factor to really make Newcastle fans’ jaws drop. But he could still help the club progress up the Premier League table. One way to generate that excitement factor which has been lacking this season for Newcastle fans is to play the Football Star slots game at Microgaming casinos through http://www.microgamingtribune.com, where you will have the chance to play for progressive jackpots.

In the meantime, reports have claimed that Ashley is willing to sanction a £10million deal for Austin. It seems certain that the striker will be available, if Queens Park Rangers are relegated to the Championship. But is he capable of both lifting the gloom around St James’ Park and lifting Newcastle up in the standings?

Well, he has scored 17 goals in 30 league games in his first season in the top flight. That has to be an encouraging sign, especially as only three of those goals have been penalties. He has scored in both games against Arsenal, has scored against Chelsea and Manchester City, and also scored a hat-trick against West Brom. So, he has proven he can do against the better defences in the division. He has also made four assists, which means he has had a hand in more than half of QPR’s goals this season. The concern, as ever, is whether he is going to be a one-season wonder and that defenders will suss him out next season.

That would be a worry, but at the same time, he has been scoring goals regularly for a struggling team. He has also shown versatility. He can play as a lone striker if required, so would fit into a 4-3-3 formation. But he has also dovetailed well with Bobby Zamora, so is equally at home playing as a pair.

He has a physical presence, a keen eye for goal, and makes good runs to create space. So, he has the attributes to suggest he can maintain this level next season.

But then there is the question of whether he is an upgrade on what Newcastle have already got. For all that it feels like Papiss Cisse has had a disappointing season, especially given his suspension for spitting, he has still scored 11 Premier League goals in 10 starts and nine substitute appearances. Cisse was the last player Newcastle spent in the region of £10million on when he joined from Freiburg in 2012.

If Cisse leaves in the summer, and it would not be a huge surprise, then Austin could prove to be a sound replacement. But, if Cisse stays, then you feel £10million on one player would be better invested in a different position.

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