According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle United have contacted Atletico Madrid with regards to a loan move for Portuguese winger Gelson Martins.
Since his transfer to the Spanish side in the Summer, Martins has failed to make any sort of an impact. He’s made just eight appearances in the league this season and he’s scored just once in all competitions so far.
On the other side of the deal, Newcastle are lacking a bit of quality from the wide positions at the moment with Matt Ritchie currently filling in at Left-wing back and Kenedy out injured. That leaves just Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy in terms of out-and-out wingers.
Would Martins go to Newcastle?
In terms of whether or not I think Madrid will be open to the loan, yes I do. I think given his lack of involvement this season, it makes sense for Atletico to ship him out on loan in this window. The problem from a Newcastle point of view is the fact they are not the only side linked with this move.
Martins has been linked with a host of other clubs in the last month with teams such as Arsenal and Monaco reportedly sniffing around him. If those reports prove to be true, it seems unlikely the player would choose to go to the North East.
However, Newcastle would be the right choice for him in my opinion. It would allow him to put his talents to the test in the most competitive league in the world. As well as that, he’s pretty much guaranteed to play at Newcastle too, which gives him a chance to either put himself in the shop window for the Summer or even win back some credit with Diego Simeone.
Earlier, we asked the Newcastle fans whether or not they believe the transfer will happen. It’s fair to say there isn’t much optimism on Tyneside with 68% of voters so far saying it won’t happen. The poll is still open so you and you can have your say below:
It’s no denying Martins would be a great coup for the Geordies – when you think, just two years ago Sporting Lisbon were rejecting £44 million bids for him from the likes of Liverpool. Even on a six month loan, he’s exactly the type of star the club need in their push for survival.
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