If I was Newcastle, I would try and sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea – Paul Merson

2 months ago 29

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Paul Merson has been discussing Newcastle United.

The former Arsenal player speaking, as Eddie Howe returns to Bournemouth once again with his NUFC team.

As well as Sunday’s match though, Paul Merson has been advising Newcastle United who they should try to sign.

Merson declaring ‘If I was Newcastle, I would try and sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea. Play Sterling on one wing, Anthony Gordon on the other and Alexander Isak through the middle, that would be an exciting front-three.’

If Sterling was available on a loan deal with Chelsea willing to help NUFC out by paying a big portion of his wages, then it would be a no-brainer.

However, Chelsea aren’t going to be doing one of their main rivals any favours whatsoever.

Reality is that Raheem Sterling has made clear that he wants a permanent move to another club. He turns 30 in December and is widely reported to be on £300,000+ per week, plus it would of course be a hefty transfer fee as well.

Raheem Sterling is clearly still a very good player and yet another victim of the circus at Chelsea, but Newcastle United would be totally tearing up their transfer strategy if going for the 29 year old.

Paying somebody at least twice as much as Bruno Guimaraes and all the other current NUFC stars just isn’t happening, whilst if you believe Raheem Sterling would agree to halve his wages, you are fantasising on a whole different level. Newcastle United are buying younger players who they hope will progress in both ability and valuation, with Raheem Sterling it would be tens of millions that would never be recouped and an attacking player who would be in his 30s within months of signing.

Raheem Sterling to Newcastle United is a ‘little’ unlikely.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda about who NUFC should be trying to buy and Bournemouth v Newcastle ahead of Sunday:

“Newcastle were poor last week but still hung on with 10 men and managed to get three important points.

“I think they’ll beat Bournemouth, who could find it tough without Solanke’s goals. I’m expecting the Cherries to struggle this season.

“They’ve signed Evanilson from Porto but he has to come and hit the ground running straightaway. That is a big challenge for any new player in the Premier League, especially considering the number of goals Solanke scored last season.

“If I was Newcastle, I would try and sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.

“Play Sterling on one wing, Anthony Gordon on the other and Alexander Isak through the middle, that would be an exciting front-three.

“Jacob Murphy is a decent footballer, but he won’t take you to the next level like Sterling.

“Even though Newcastle have good players, I’ve got a feeling they will fall short of top four this season.

“But this fixture against Bournemouth shouldn’t be a difficult one to navigate for them.

“Prediction: Bournemouth 0 Newcastle 2”

Anyway, hopefully Paul Merson has got it right on how the match will turn out.

Another clean sheet and a couple of away goals would be nice.

I think Newcastle can win but I also think it is very likely Bournemouth will make it difficult, even though I agree Solanke will be a huge loss.

Along with others, Paul Merson claiming Newcastle were ‘poor’ when winning against Southampton.

Reality is that Newcastle started ok but then were a bit flat for 20 or so minutes, without Southampton really threatening much. Then after the red card, United were magnificent in the context of having to play with only 10 men for 73 minutes, Saints with only five efforts on target in the whole match of any description, with in reality Nick Pope having only one difficult save to make. Once Joelinton coolly put Newcastle in front just before half-time, that was always going to mean NUFC sitting back and trying to pick up the clean sheet that would equal three points, no reason to take daft risks by charging forward after taking the lead.

Yes, if Newcastle play on Sunday for the entire match like they did for those 20 minutes or so against Southampton, then you’d be worried. However, to draw big conclusions, as some people have done, from those 20 minutes in an opening match of the season, is just ridiculous.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Sunday 25 August 2024 – Bournemouth v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 28 August 2024 – Forest v Newcastle in Carabao Cup (8pm) Sky Sport

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports

(The first international break of the season)

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)

Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5pm) Sky Sports