Newcastle United to sign English midfielder from Leicester City

It would be an understatement to say that Newcastle United have a lot of work to do in this summer transfer window. This is a team that had finished 12th in the Premier League last season. And they have seen core erased over the last few months.

Anthony Gordon was the first to go, joining Barcelona. That was followed by Sandro Tonali moving to Tottenham Hotspur. Then came the real surprise as Eddie Howe walked away in the middle of pre-season, making way for Matthias Jaissle.

With Bruno Guimaraes’ recent move to Arsenal, it is now clearly the beginning of a new era at Newcastle United. And they need to strengthen in several positions across the pitch, both to improve the quality of the squad and also to replace the experience that has walked out of the door.

Now, it looks like Newcastle United are closing in on their next signing of the summer. But it is not one that is expected to have an impact on the first-team straight off the bat.

Newcastle United set to sign midfielder from Leicester City

Newcastle United look set to sign Leicester City midfielder Christian Boothe. The 16-year-old has been a standout at the youth ranks for the Foxes and seems to be headed to St James’ Park next.

Of course, Boothe is not expected to be a part of Newcastle United’s first-team picture anytime soon. He is not one of those talents who has broken into the senior setup already.

So far, Boothe has played most of his football for the U18 side at Leicester City. He has played a couple of times for the U21 side as well, which goes to show how highly he is rated and trusted enough to be playing several levels above expectation.

It remains to be seen if or when the move ends up becoming official. It is worth pointing out though that the youth team has taken on some added importance lately.

Newcastle United have signed plenty of quality youngsters in the ongoing summer transfer window. Boothe’s name looks set to be added to that list very soon.

Newcastle United’s focus has to be on the first-team
Of course, it is great that Newcastle United are not overlooking the youth team, even in a pressure situation. That being said, the main focus needs to remain on strengthening the senior side.

There is a genuine possibility that Newcastle United could find themselves in a relegation battle next season if they are not careful. The best path forward would be to sign some quality players and ensure it does not come to that.

Forwards, midfielders and defenders are all needed. The goalkeeping spot might be the only one that needs no further additions following the signings of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen this summer.