The 4th Official
·17 January 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·17 January 2024
In a recent report, Calciomercato mentioned that Newcastle United are showing interest in Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli. It has been claimed that the Magpies are set to rival Brighton and Hove Albion in the race to land the Italian defender.
Romagnoli is having a solid campaign at the Italian club after putting in a series of dominant displays for them on the defensive third of the pitch. The Anzio-born talent has picked up one assist in 19 matches for Lazio this season across multiple competitions.
The 29-year-old has been a rock at the back as he is averaging 0.6 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game in Serie A. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from inside his half based on his pass completion rate of 92.5% in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current deal at Lazio will expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Magpies to get a deal over the line for him before the end of this transfer window.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 24: Alessio Romagnoli of SS Lazio attends durimg the press conference before the UEFA Champions League group E match betwen Feyenoord and SS Lazio at Feyenoord Stadium on October 24, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Romagnoli is a decent tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the front foot and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.
The Italian talent can use his strong 1.85m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels as well. At 29, Romagnoli is playing in his prime at the moment and has what it takes to make an instant impact at a club like Newcastle United if he can make a smooth transition to life in English football.
We can expect him to bring more bite and steel to Eddie Howe’s defensive department. He might even help the Tyneside club challenge for a top-six finish in the Premier League this season. Thus, it makes sense for the Magpies to try and arrange a move for him before the end of this January transfer period.
St. James’ Park which makes him a decent option for Howe to consider this month.