74-cap star ‘one to keep an eye on’ at St James’ Park

Newcastle United could look to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer this summer, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Sommer has spent the last eight years at the Bundesliga club, making 324 appearances across all competitions.

What’s the latest news on Newcastle’s search for a goalkeeper?

The Magpies have been linked with Dean Henderson in recent weeks, but The Telegraph has revealed that the Manchester United shot-stopper will not be moving to St James’ Park in the current transfer window.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has encouraged Newcastle to make a move for Nick Pope after he was relegated with Burnley last season.

Pope is likely to want to stay in the Premier League, with the World Cup just around the corner.

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What has Crook said about Newcastle signing a goalkeeper?

Crook has his doubts about Pope’s suitability for Eddie Howe’s side, and has claimed that they could turn to Sommer instead.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Crook said: “I’m not sure Nick Pope is good enough with the ball at his feet. They’re looking for someone that can play out from the back, that’s always been his Achilles heel.

“The name I was given this week was Yann Sommer at Monchengladbach, the Swiss international. He’s got a year left on his contract so wouldn’t cost a lot of money. I’d definitely keep an eye on that one.”

Would Sommer be a good signing for Newcastle?

Sommer’s quality should not be questioned. The fact that he has picked up 74 caps for Switzerland highlights that he is a reliable presence between the sticks.

However, he is set to turn 34 later this year, and Howe already has two goalkeepers in their thirties at his disposal in Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.

Therefore, going after Sommer would appear to represent short-term thinking on Newcastle’s part, which may not be the best strategy for the club moving forward. Howe needs to have one eye on the future, and should be targeting younger players to help the side kick on for years to come, rather than someone who can do a job for a limited period.

Sommer only received an average game rating of 6.75 from WhoScored last season, which was just above Dubravka’s mark of 6.65. The two goalkeepers are the same age: would Sommer really be a significant upgrade on his counterpart? Probably not.

Sommer would bring experience and class, but his best years appear to be behind him, so Newcastle should look for other options to compete with Dubravka instead.

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