Yannick Carrasco’s strengths and weaknesses amid Newcastle United transfer development

Newcastle United’s summer is looking bright as they find themselves linked with a number of high profile transfer targets. One name on the radar is Atlético Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco, whose current contract is set to expire this time next year.

Amid the Magpies’ interest in the Belgium international, we’ve taken a look at his main strengths and weaknesses.

Latest Carrasco transfer news

Carrasco has been a name linked with Newcastle for some time now and interest has reignited this summer as Eddie Howe looks to build on his current squad. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Magpies are keen to bring the winger to St James’ Park this summer and an update from Barcelona may have handed them a boost.

The Catalonians reportedly have the option to sign him for just €19 million, however this will no longer be valid after June 30th and with no further updates, it looks unlikely that Carrasco will be joining Barca.

Carrasco strengths

Let’s take a look at what would make Carrasco a strong signing for Newcastle. To start off, he’s confident in front of goal, having contributed 10 goals and five assists across all competitions last season. He tallied 13 goal contributions in 2021/22, and 18 in the campaign before that.

The Belgian is also a very versatile player who can operate in any position down the left. He has always been comfortable playing at both left-wing and left midfield, but he has also grown confident at left-back as well. Last season Carrasco also played the odd match at right-wing and centre-forward. When called upon, the forward could slot in most roles and still perform well.

Naturally, Carrasco is good with both feet and has developed into a strong finisher, which are traits that would fit in nicely at Newcastle.

Carrasco weaknesses

Every player has weaknesses and it seems Carrasco’s main one might be his injury history. Over the last three seasons, the 29-year-old has been sidelined with six different physical problems, including three separate muscle injuries. His longest kept him out for 25 days in total and he missed four matches during the 2020/21 season.

As is pretty common with wingers, Carrasco’s defensive contributions have been lacking over the years, but after being deployed at left-back on eight occasions this past season, he certainly has it in him to adapt.