Why Newcastle must steer clear of Scalvini – Opinion | OneFootball

Newcastle United are pondering a serious push to sign Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini, per Gianluca DiMarzio.

The Magpies have been tracking the Italian international defender for some time and could make a push to take a deal over the line.

Newcastle chased Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for a long time, but after failing with their transfer swoop, they have now turned to Scalvini.

Hailed by former boss Gian Piero Gasperini as a player ‘destined for greatness‘, Scalvini caught the eye with his reading of the game, physicality, composure, and fearlessness.

However, despite these numerous qualities, Newcastle should steer clear of Scalvini and move for another target.

Firstly, Scalvini is still recovering from a long-term injury, training with the reserve team to return to full fitness.

Newcastle should not be taking the punt on a player who might not return to the previous levels he showed.

The Magpies must also be wary because he has spent most of his senior career playing in a back three under Gasperini.

While the 21-year-old has played in all positions in the back three, he is used to shining in a system very different from Newcastle’s. It could affect his adaptation.

Besides, Atalanta players who looked like world-beaters under Gasperini have struggled when they secured big moves.

See Joachim Maehle, Andrea Conti, Rasmus Hojlund, Robin Gosens, Mattia Caldara, and Teun Koopmeiners.

Even success stories like Franck Kessie were not straightforward. Kessie took a while before he started delivering the goods for AC Milan.

Given the context, Newcastle should focus their resources on a defender with a cleaner injury record and a track record in systems more aligned with Howe’s approach.

Scalvini has remarkable potential, but this is a crucial summer for the Magpies, one that demands certainty.

With defenders like Fabian Schar and Dan Burn entering the twilight of their Newcastle careers, the club needs younger options.

But Newcastle must prioritise fit and readiness. The Magpies already have one injury-prone defender in Sven Botman and cannot afford to add another.