With another disappointing season for the Magpies drawing to a close, Dutch influence could be pivotal in getting the club back on track next season.
- By Andy Booth
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Figures released this week show that Newcastle have a £34 million transfer kitty and the club could use some of the cash to add to their current crop of four Dutchmen. Chief scout Graham Carr has focused a lot of attention towards the Eredivisie in recent seasons, a league he sees as offering excellent value for money. He played a key role in the recruitment of Vurnon Anita, 26, who signed for £6.7 million in 2012, the former Ajax captain Siem de Jong, 26, who was obtained for £6 million, and Daryl Janmaat, 25, who featured extensively for the Oranje at the World Cup and was signed for just £5 million from Feyenoord. Given the astronomically inflated prices of English players, Carr and Newcastle could well return to the Netherlands to snap up cheap talent.
Georginio Wijnaldum has been open about his desire to test himself in “a better league against better players” and has recently been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as Newcastle. Tim Krul has been positive about life at St. James’ Park when talking to the PSV captain in an attempt to attract the midfielder to the North East.
Carr is also a long term admirer of Heerenveen’s Mark Uth, who has scored 14 league goals so far this season. The 23 year old German, who has also been scouted by Tottenham, would be seen as replacement for goal-shy forward Emmanuel Rivière who Newcastle may be prepared to cut their losses on following his move from Monaco last year.
Luc Castaignos could be another attacking option for Newcastle. The Twente forward has 10 league goals this season, but financial troubles have already seen his side deducted 6 points, meaning the Enschede outfit may cash in on the 6 ft 2 striker.
One Dutchman who seems unlikely to be joining the Toon Army is Ajax boss Frank de Boer. Speculation has cooled in recent weeks and despite missing out on a fifth straight league title this term, de Boer now looks set to stay in Amsterdam for at least another year.
Captaincy
As well as potential new recruits, the current Dutchmen on Tyneside could have increased responsibility next season. Interim head coach John Carver has suggested he would strip Fabricio Coloccini of the captain’s armband, should he be given the job on a permanent basis. Current vice-captain Siem de Jong’s return to fitness could see his name thrown into the mix, whilst Moussa Sissoko who has deputised in the absence of Coloccini and de Jong, would also be considered.
However Carver has his eyes on a different candidate, “I’d be tempted to make Daryl captain next season because he’s a proper leader.” He continued his praise for the former Feyenoord right-back who has started every league match this season, “he’s got character, strength, he’s good around the dressing room. He has a good presence around the place. Whatever you ask him to do he’ll do it.” Janmaat is widely fancied to receive the clubs player of the year award due to the consistency of his performances and will be one of the first names on the team sheet next year too. Even in the likely event Carver is not handed the reins long term, the captaincy could still be under review.
Whether through new recruits or internal promotions, expect the Dutch influence to continue to develop at St James’ Park.
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