Report: Newcastle make enquiry to sign Serie A star, captains his country

Add as preferred source on Google

Italian website Club Doria claim Newcastle have made an enquiry to sign Sampdoria defender Maya Yoshida in the January window. The Japan skipper is out of contract at the Serie A club, at the end of the season.

Yoshida, 33, joined Sampdoria in January 2020, initially on loan from Southampton. He played 194 times in all competitions for the Saints, before joining Sampdoria – signing permanently for the Serie A side that summer.

Clocking up 64 appearances for Sampdoria in two years, he is out of contract at the end of the season despite remaining first choice. Newcastle, though, could make a surprise move to bring him to Tyneside.

The Japan skipper, who has 125 caps for his country – 113 for Japan and 12 in the Olympics – is experienced in Premier League football. With more than 150 games in England’s top tier, he could be ideal for Newcastle.

Yoshida to Newcastle: Japanese ace underwhelming, but important

Newcastle need central defenders. In the January window, big-name signings are going to be difficult – especially with the Toon sitting in the relegation zone. Yoshida’s experience could be crucial.

His years at Southampton has given him the knowledge in how to fight the drop. He is an improvement on Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles and Fede Fernandez – and has the athleticism to play anywhere in a back three.

Likely to be available for a nominal fee, it is a move that probably suits all parties. Experience, relegation scrap know how, a leader – he could be an underrated signing, though underwhelming.