According to reports, Newcastle United are set to complete the signing of Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker. Reports suggest that Mitchel Bakker’s agent and representatives are in England to complete the transfer deal in the upcoming days.
The 21-year-old left-back looks set to be the third signing of the January transfer window for Newcastle United. The club have already signed Chris Wood and English right-back Kieran Trippier.
Reports from last week suggested that talks between Newcastle United and Bayern Leverkusen had broken down. But with Newcastle United willing to pay the £16.8 million asking price. The deal now looks set to be completed in the next few days.
The Dutch international only joined Bayern Leverkusen this summer from French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Bakker made a total of 45 appearances in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain. This term he has made 16 appearances for the German outfit in all competitions. In this time he has recorded one goal and four assists. (stats via Transfermarkt)
Newcastle United are still in the thick of the relegation battle. The Magpies did pick up important three points in their last Premier League game as they beat Leeds United 1-0. The win moves the club to 18th in the Premier League table. They have picked up 15 points from 21 league games.
Eddie Howe is on the lookout to add new faces to the team to help the club survive the drop this term. The manager is keen to add defensive reinforcements, in particular, to solve the issues at the back. The Magpies have a horrible defence record in the Premier League this season. The defence has let in 43 goals in just 21 league games so far this term.
Is signing Mitchel Bakker a good deal for the Magpies?
With such a horrible defensive record, it is obvious to see why Eddie Howe is keen to add defensive reinforcements to the side. Mitchel Bakker alongside Kieran Trippier will add stability to the backline and also offer useful output doing forward.
The left-back has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1 interception, 1.5 clearances per game in the Bundesliga this term. On top of that going forward he has averaged 1.5 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per game in the league. He has also maintained a pass accuracy of 80.7% in the league this term. (stats via Whoscored) The 21-year-old has plenty of potential and can hold the left-back position for the club for years to come.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
