Newcastle United are allegedly interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers full-back Hugo Bueno as Eddie Howe considers his summer objectives.
After finishing fourth last season, the Magpies are expected to have a busy transfer window in order to bring their squad up to the level required to compete with Europe’s top.
The North East club are claimed to have had Kieran Tierney on their radar for several months, though Football Insider reported this week that the Scotsman isn’t the only left-back Newcastle are interested in.
Wolves defender Bueno has been identified as a potential target alongside the Arsenal ace, as an alternative if Howe is unable to entice him away from the Gunners.
Valued at around £9m by CIES Football Observatory, the Magpies could land a bargain in a swoop for the young Spaniard.
Hugo Bueno, how excellent is he?
After graduating from Wolves’ academy sides, the Vigo-born jewel made a statement in his debut senior season in the Premier League at the age of just 20.
Bueno established himself as a prospective talent to develop at Molineux in 21 appearances last season, ranking in the top 8% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of progressive carries, averaging 3.57 per 90, according to FBref.
If discussions with Tierney fail, the teenager might be the ideal target for Newcastle, with Howe perhaps looking for a player who can open others in attack ahead of him with his progressive play.
Former caretaker manager Steve Davis described him as “excellent” after his debut in October. The 20-year-old is a flexible player on the sides with the capacity to act as an inverted full-back due to his talents moving forward.
Those in the advanced wide areas at St James’ Park may benefit from the addition of the left-back, with last season’s discovery Alexander Isak one of those who might form a solid partnership with the Spaniard.
Deployed primarily in the middle, the Swede has also played the left flank at times and might be the type of player that complements Bueno’s talents.
According to FBref, the 23-year-old received 7.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, presenting a direct danger in the final third, scoring 10 goals and assisting one in 22 appearances.
since evidenced by his 1.10 critical passes per 90, the former Real Sociedad player could be the ideal figure for Bueno to play behind, since the Spaniard clearly relishes delivering a dangerous forward pass.
Isak, praised by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his “exemplary” movement, is the ideal target to accompany the Wolves superstar on the wing, as a player who enjoys “pass-and-go” to offer threat in the final third.
Bueno averaged 1.65 passes into the final third per 90 minutes, indicating added power in numbers in attack, with averages that might be improved playing in a side that attacks more freely.
Howe might get a good deal on the 20-year-old defender, who has plenty of opportunity to improve as a Premier League defender after a promising debut season in the top flight.
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