‘A goldmine’ - Newcastle United delivered exciting verdict on 20y/o January transfer ‘target’
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Newcastle United transfer news: Newcastle United’s current defensive injury crisis could force them into the January transfer market with Joaquin Seys one player that has been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United have been linked with signing Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys in recent weeks.
A defensive injury crisis brought on by serious injuries to Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento is likely to force the Magpies to ditch their plans of being quiet in the winter window and make them explore what options are out there. Seys has, in recent weeks, emerged as a potential option for them to strengthen their defensive options and give Eddie Howe some much needed depth in his back line.
But just who is Joaquin Seys and what is the latest on Newcastle United’s interest in the young defender? Here, we take a look:
Who is Joaquin Seys?
Seys is a 20-year-old full-back who plays for Belgian side Club Brugge. Seys has become a regular in the first-team at Brugge having made 32 appearances for them in all competitions this season.
Five of those appearances have come in the Champions League this season. Seys made his debut for Belgium back in October and was handed a second cap by Rudi Garcia a month later. Seys predominantly plays his football as a left-back, although he can play on the other side of defence if required.
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Newcastle United’s transfer interest in Joaquin Seys
According to the Mail, Seys is on Newcastle United’s ‘radar’ this month as a potential back-up option to the first-team. The Magpies’ current defensive injury crisis is expected to force them into the transfer market this month.
Matt Targett could be recalled from his loan spell at Middlesbrough as a short-term fix for the remainder of the campaign, with the Magpies having until the end of the month to trigger that option. However, a long-term solution would be the club’s preference this month if they are able to get that over the line.
Seys, therefore, is one option they could look at to not only bolster Howe’s defensive options between now and the end of the season, but also for the foreseeable future. Lewis Hall is currently the club’s only senior recognised left-back with his back-up, Tino Livramento, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
‘Goldmine’ praise for Joaquin Seys
Whilst Seys has been garnering praise and attention for his performances at club level, it took until late last year for his talents to be showcased internationally. His debut for Belgium came against North Macedonia in October before being handed his first international start by Garcia in November against Kazakhstan.
Belgium drew 1-1 that day but Seys’ performance at left-back impressed many, including former Belgian international Marc Wilmots - a man who represented his country on 70 occasions: “He's a goldmine,” Wilmots told RTBF when asked about Seys’ performance.
“Whether he plays on the right or the left, it's almost the same for him. I saw him play about twenty meters ahead of Doku this Saturday evening.
“He went on an adventure and he did well. It was the match that suited him perfectly.
“We'll have to see him again against stronger teams and especially when he has to defend. That will undoubtedly be a different story.”