Newcastle United are reportedly the only club ‘on the horizon’ as Inter Milan look to move on Joaquin Correa. The European giants are hoping to sell two out of their current trio of forwards which is made up of him, Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez.
Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala look to set to come through the door on the black and blue half of San Siro which reduces the need for players like Correa. Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) have claimed that the Magpies are the only club who could satisfy what they are looking to recoup for the Argentine just a year after he signed for the club.
The 27-year-old cost Inter €31m as part of an obligation-to-buy loan deal but a fee of €25m could tempt them into selling this summer. With 17 international caps as well as plenty of experience at the top level, he might be a player that interests Eddie Howe and co at St James’ Park.
READ MORE: Newcastle United only club 'on the horizon' as Inter look to shift Joaquin Correa
In the instance that United pursue a move for Correa, we have put together a profile which explores what he could bring to the squad.
What has he done so far?
Correa’s career is one very familiar for South American footballers as he started playing professionally in his native country before moving to Europe. After impressing with Estudiantes in Argentina, he was signed by Sampdoria for around $10m aged just 20 years old.
His first season was spent largely on the bench but a switch to a more attacking role brought more opportunities and he caught the attention of Sevilla with whom he signed for in the summer of 2016. Two more solid, if not spectacular, campaigns followed in La Liga but a return to Italy presented itself when Lazio launched an offer worth €16m to bring him back to Serie A.
It was in Rome where he was really able to make a name for himself as, for the first time, he was a regular mainstay in his side’s starting XI. Nine goals and seven assists in all competitions in his first season was succeeded by 10 and five in the 2019/20 campaign.
At this point, having already earned a couple of caps for Argentina, Correa was being considered for a recall and had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, he would’ve returned to the international fold much sooner. Another 11 goals and six assists in a variety of position across the Lazio frontline saw him become a regular fixture for his nation, alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Dybala and Lautaro Martinez.
Last summer, Inter agreed a deal with Lazio whereby they loaned Correa for the season but had to pay €31m to sign him permanently at the conclusion of the loan. The form of both Martinez and Dzeko meant first-team chances were hard to come by as Inter went toe-to-toe with their city rivals for the Scudetto.
Now, with Lukaku’s return (on loan) looking as good as confirmed and Dybala’s free transfer close to completion, it will be even harder for Correa to get a look in, hence the possibility of a move this summer.
What would he bring to Newcastle United?
While Correa would undoubtedly bring quality to the attack on Tyneside, his versatility would be the biggest benefit if he was to be signed. He has been played everywhere across the frontline as well as behind the striker at every club he has played for so far. With United thin on the ground in terms of wingers - as well as strikers given Callum Wilson’s injury problems – the 27-year-old would be a worthwhile addition to the squad.
However, as mentioned, Correa isn’t just a versatile attacking option, he is also an extremely capable footballer. He has plenty of attributes that would really impress Howe as he is brilliant on the ball, whether that’s dribbling at opposition defenders or breaking the lines with killer passes.
When compared to his peers across Europe that play in a similar position, he is in the top 1% for pass completion and in the top 4% for progressive carries (stats provided by fbref). With a desire to move the ball forward like that, it is hardly surprising that he is averaging 0.48 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes in the last year, a fantastic return for a player largely used on the wing or behind the striker.
As well as being very effective progressing the ball, Correa is far more than just a passenger out of possession. Last season, he averaged 19.33 pressures per 90 minutes which, whilst slightly skewed due to plenty of substitute appearances, make him one of the hardest pressing attackers in European football.
It is equally important for players in a team managed by Howe to be as effective without the ball as they are with the ball, making Correa a good fit for the squad. Although, as someone considered something of a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ at the top level, Howe might prefer players who are more specialised to the specific positions.
What has been said about him?
Despite not using him as much as might have been expected, Simone Inzaghi is a huge fan of Correa. He was the man who brought him from Lazio to Inter but he just hasn’t quite been able to justify starting him regularly ahead of Martinez or Dzeko.
Speaking during the pair’s time together at Lazio, after Correa had scored a brace against AC Milan, Inzaghi was full of praise. He said (via The Laziali): “Correa is a formidable player. He is very intelligent tactically; he sacrifices a lot for the team.
“I am happy with his brace. When he has no problems and can train continuously, he always proves to be able to play at the highest levels.”
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