Newcastle United keen on Crystal Palace’s main man
By Phil Taylor
The Premier League is under constant surveillance for potential transfers and nothing is going to change that. With sides like Newcastle United wanting to improve their squads to reach their goal, there is bound to be lots of discussion about who is going where.
One of the latest enquiries made could be detrimental for Crystal Palace who have look rejuvenated under Roy Hodgson and look to build on an 11th-place finish and potential finish in the Europa Conference next season in an attempt to emulate West Ham United.
Newcastle want Crystal Palace’s central defender
The 27-year-old Danish defender Joachim Andersen joined Palace in 2021 having had a successful loan spell with Fulham the previous year. Andersen joined from Lyon on a 5-year deal for around £16.7 million.
The Danish international is on the radar of Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe as he looks to build on what was a fantastic year for his Newcastle side.
How much would Newcastle have to pay?
The first thing Newcastle has done is make an enquiry; no official bid has been made. Howe has reportedly £75 million to spend this summer after making plenty of reinforcements in the previous two windows.
A midfielder has been the target this summer for Newcastle and with AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali Howe’s major target expected to cost around £60 million, Andersen would have to fit the budget. That means Newcastle are looking to spend £15 million on the Danish international.
Would they get him for £15 million?
Crystal Palace will not let Andersen go easily and a bid of £15 million may fall short of their estimation. With three years left on his contract and his importance in the squad, Newcastle may have to include some add ons that would affect their budgets for the next window or two.
It is rumoured that Andersen might be allowed to leave for a fee between £25-£30 million and with those three years on his contract they will be in no hurry to sell. However, if Andersen is aware of the enquiry his head could be turned with the possibilty of European football next year.
Is Andersen worth it?
It would certainly be a jump up in quality for him but having impressed against the better sides in the league, in particular Manchester City, he would not look out of place.
With Howe wanting a right footed centre back, he fits the bill. He is classy on the ball and robust in the air. He does, however, lack a bit of pace which could make Newcastle susceptible to the counter.
If Newcastle can get Andersen for around £20 million they will have got a great deal on a centre back with Premier League experience.