Jack Grealish is the latest name being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Grealish has struggled for game time at Manchester City over the last two seasons and Newcastle United are said to be keen.
Newcastle are interested in Grealish, although it should be stressed that a deal still looks difficult to do.
Man City value Grealish at between £38-£43million but his reported £300k-per-week wages reportedly look like a stumbling block.
The England international is certainly a divisive figure. Previously brilliant at his best, it’s difficult to judge what kind of force he is these days after playing such a bit-part role under Guardiola of late.
It is, however, worth looking at how Newcastle could line up with the former Aston Villa captain in the side.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Jack Grealish replaces Anthony Gordon
Newcastle have plenty of options on the left wing. Anthony Gordon is the usual starter there, although Harvey Barnes has recently come into the team. Joelinton is another option, though he will surely be needed in central midfield next season.
Gordon has been linked with a move away from Newcastle, while Barnes has frequently had to fight to be a regular starter.
A Newcastle United potential line-up in a 4-3-3 system including Jack Grealish.
A Newcastle United potential line-up in a 4-3-3 system including Jack Grealish. Credit: GRV Media
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If – and it’s a big if – Grealish were to arrive, his most natural spot would appear to be on the left of the 4-3-3 system Howe generally deploys.
The City star could feasibly replace Gordon or Barnes or act as cover and competition for next season’s European campaign. Though not as direct a runner these days, he would provide a different kind of threat from out wide.
Major formation change
As mentioned above, Howe has largely operated with a 4-3-3 system at Newcastle.
Still, a signing of Grealish’s profile would open up a new way of playing. The 29-year-old is able to operate as a classic No.10 too, something Newcastle don’t really have in their squad.
A Newcastle United potential line-up in a 4-2-3-1 system including Jack Grealish.
A Newcastle United potential line-up in a 4-2-3-1 system including Jack Grealish. Credit: GRV Media
Whether that’s enough to actually pay the money to sign him is up for debate of course, but it is an interesting potential tactical tweak.
That’s not to say Howe would have to completely change the formation all the time but it would offer another way of playing.
In games where they are expected to dominate the ball anyway, having a player capable of operating between the lines in the No.10 role would make a degree of sense.