Shock Newcastle United signing to add experience to defence

Newcastle United is not short of a few bobs or two, but it has to be said Eddie Howe has not splashed the cash in silly places, with signings made to improve the squad in the right places as opposed to signing players that will sell shirts and possibly cause disruption in the dressing room (yes we are looking at you, Manchester United). The latest player to be linked with a move to Tyneside is veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci as Howe looks to add stability to his back line.

Bonucci the Magpie

The Italian centre-back is a legend of the game and a serial winner. With nine Serie As, four Coppa Italias, and one European Championship for Italy, he knows what it takes to win a trophy, something Newcastle will want this season as they look to break their 68-year hoodoo (unless you count the Championship title or the now defunct Intertoto Cup.

With just one year left on his deal, the Italian wants one more challenge in his career. With reports of offers from Saudi Arabia and the USA, Bonucci, even at 36, feels he can still produce when it matters in Europe.

This idea alerted Newcastle to his availability, who is on the hunt for a centre-back, and Bonucci offers a much cheaper option for Howe, who has wanted to prioritize other positions.

Experience for the Champions League

It is no secret that Bonucci knows his way around the Champions League. Having finished up twice with Juventus and making the team of the season for the Champions League in the 2016/17 season, Bonucci is fully aware of what it takes to make it to the final.

Newcastle will be looking for a player to produce it for them in the Champions League. Newcastle will be competing in the competition for the first time since 2003 and could be caught cold if they are not prepared to play on the weekend and midweek.

Does Sandro Tonali play a role in this?

After the signing of Tonali, many speculated that he did not look happy to be in the home of the bakery Greggs. With Tonali signed as a marquee player, the signing of Bonucci could help him settle into the squad, and the experience of Bonucci could help ease any worries that the young Italian could have.

Is the signing possible?

It is very possible. With just one year on his contract and Juventus not going to stand in his way, Bonucci would be a great alternative to more expensive signings of Marc Guehi or Joachim  Andersen.

Bonucci could demand a wage of £200,000, but without the transfer fee, it could be a real coup for the Toon Army.