Breaking- Newcastle chase late move for “nightmare” Guehi alternative who’s a bit like Van Dijk
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Marc Guehi continues to face challenges, as the club’s third bid for the Crystal Palace star was reportedly turned down earlier this week. The offer, believed to be around £60 million, reflects the Magpies’ determination to secure the 24-year-old England international. However, with time running out before the transfer window closes, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is preparing a fourth bid in hopes of finally landing their top defensive target.
Guehi’s arrival would undoubtedly bolster Newcastle’s defensive lineup, enhancing the options available on Tyneside. Yet, with less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, the club faces the risk of missing out on key reinforcements if they fail to finalize a deal. The pressure is on to bring in quality additions before the window slams shut.
In addition to Guehi, Newcastle has also been linked with Chelsea’s centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. However, Howe’s side would face stiff competition from Aston Villa, who are also interested in the 25-year-old defender. Given the complexities of securing Chalobah, Newcastle may need to consider alternative targets to strengthen their defense.
One such alternative could be Liverpool’s Joe Gomez. According to journalist Paul Joyce, Newcastle is among several clubs monitoring the 27-year-old’s situation at Anfield. Gomez’s potential departure from Liverpool has gained traction after he was conspicuously left out of the squad for the club’s 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the season. Alongside Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Fulham are also reportedly keeping tabs on Gomez’s availability.
If Newcastle were to make a move for Gomez, they could potentially secure his services at a lower cost than Guehi, while still adding a reliable and experienced defender to their ranks. Gomez, who has been a key part of Liverpool’s defensive setup alongside Virgil van Dijk, has developed his game significantly under the Dutchman’s mentorship. His time playing alongside one of the Premier League’s all-time great defenders has equipped Gomez with the skills and composure needed to excel at Newcastle.
Gomez’s versatility could also prove invaluable for Newcastle, as he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a full-back. His defensive prowess is evident in his 2023/24 season stats, where he outperformed Van Dijk in several key areas. Notably, Gomez completed more progressive carries and successful take-ons than Van Dijk, highlighting his ability to remain composed under pressure—an essential trait for Howe’s tactical setup that emphasizes ball-playing defenders. Additionally, Gomez matched Van Dijk in terms of blocks made and even surpassed him in tackles won per 90 minutes, further showcasing his defensive capabilities.
While Marc Guehi remains Newcastle’s top defensive target this summer, the protracted negotiations and rejected bids suggest that a deal may not be imminent. In such a scenario, Joe Gomez could emerge as a shrewd alternative. His experience, versatility, and proven track record in the Premier League make him a potentially valuable addition to Howe’s squad. Moreover, acquiring Gomez at a lower price could help Newcastle navigate within Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints while still making a statement signing that strengthens their defensive core for the challenges ahead.
