Newcastle United Are Eyeing A Move For This Eredivisie Defender: What Will He Add To Howe’s Side? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Calciomercato mentioned that Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Feyenoord defender David Hancko this summer. It has been stated that the Magpies are eager to secure the services of the Slovak centre-half in this off-season.

Hancko’s Impressive Form In Dutch Football Last Season

The 25-year-old had a solid season in the Dutch Eredivisie recently as he was responsible for putting in a lot of impressive performances at the heart of Feyenoord’s backline. Hancko featured in 50 matches for the Dutch outfit in the previous campaign, netting four goals and grabbing five assists in various competitions.

The Slovak defensive ace proved himself to be a valuable performer on the defensive end of the field by averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game in the Eredivisie. He was even careful when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 87.9% in the Dutch top-flight (stats via whoscored).

Hancko is under contract at Feyenoord until the summer of 2026. Therefore, Newcastle will have to pay a hefty fee if they want to recruit the Slovak centre-back during this transfer window.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Ukrainian midfielder Artem Bondarenko (L) and Feyenoord’s Slovak defender David Hancko vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group Last 16 First Leg football match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Feyenoord in Warsaw, on March 9, 2023. (Photo by Wojtek Radwanski / AFP) (Photo by WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

What Will Hancko Add To Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe’s Side?

Hancko can use his strong 1.88m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels. He is usually quick to spot the danger and can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half.

The Dutch talent usually put his foot through the ball when required and excels at playing his way out from the back. He mainly functions as a central defender but can even fill in as a left-back if told to do so.

Hancko will add more bite and steel to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s defence. He will undeniably increase competition for places within the Tyneside club‘s squad.

At 25, the Slovak talent will only get better with each season which makes him a decent signing for the Magpies to pull off this summer. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the high intensity of English football if Newcastle can find a way to get a deal done for him soon.