Newcastle could move to sign £138,000-p/w “revelation” alongside Lloyd Kelly

Both Adarabioyo and Kelly appeared to be on route for the Magpies to sign, but only Kelly is now practically confirmed after Chelsea intervened to frustrate everyone at St. James’ Park by turning the former’s head. However, Lewis Hall’s duty to make Kelly’s loan contract permanent was activated during the season, thus Newcastle should at least continue to be on track to welcome Kelly in their second deal of the summer.

Given the long-term injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, Kelly’s versatility as a left- and center-back should be especially helpful in mitigating Howe’s defensive depth issue. That being said, there are other players who will contribute to lessening those injury blows this season besides the former Bournemouth star.

After Mario Hermoso’s contract with Atletico Madrid expires this summer, Newcastle may try to get him on a free transfer, but Aston Villa will undoubtedly put up a strong fight and win the battle to recruit the defender in the upcoming months, according to Graeme Bailey of HITC.

Given their apparent uphill battle to sign Hermoso, Newcastle might want to move quickly to make the Spaniard an offer that matches his rumored £138k weekly pay at Atletico Madrid, particularly in light of their need for a central defense.

It won’t be simple to replace Botman in particular at St James’ Park the next season, but if Newcastle is successful in securing his services, a player with Hermoso’s caliber and experience may be well-suited to achieve just that. The Atletico Madrid player had another successful La Liga season, but a new challenge is in store now that his contract is expiring.

Hermoso is especially skilled with the ball, and if he decides to play for St. James’ Park this summer, he might even threaten Botman or Fabian Schar’s starting spot when all three are available. The Magpies would gain from competition for spots since they will be itching to play in Europe again the following season.

Zach Lowy may have anticipated Premier League interest in Hermoso when he lavished the defender with attention during his Porto days, so the news is hardly shocking. Lowy referred to the Spaniard as a “revelation” and predicted that Hermoso will go to either Aston Villa or Newcastle this summer, marking his biggest career step.

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