Keisuke Honda - training with Japan
As the final whistle blew after 94 pulsating minutes at the Emirates today,
I started to really believe that Newcastle United could achieve the unthinkable this season and qualify for Europe’s premier competition.
I then read the news that Shinji Kagawa would more than likely being playing in a Man Utd shirt next season. This got me thinking about what type of player Newcastle may be able to attract next season, if they clinch Champions League football.
One name immediately sprung to mind, most likely since he is compatriot of Kagawa’s : Keisuke Honda. This player would fit seamlessly into our 4-3-3 system and, despite his invaluable contribution to the cause this season, will offer a more dynamic outlet on the left side of front three than Demba Ba.
Our club seems like it is on the cusp of something truly magnificent and unprecedented after such a short time since its return to the upper echelons of English football. Securing world-class players such as Honda will increase the club’s profile tremendously, not least in the vast, largely untapped market of South East Asia.
Having said this, I am well aware the club’s recent progress has not been down to signing marquee players but through extensive scouting and deliberation (much kudos to Graham Carr). However, unlike world class players such as Hazard and Gareth Bale, Honda would be far more attainable and would definately not be an arbitrary big-name signing. Honda is direct, techinically gifted and at the right age of 25. His commercial value alone should be enough to entice Mike Ashley into forking out for him – probably in the region of 10 -15 million I’d say.
I have lived in Japan and been back many times, and this guy is all over the place on billboards, store windows etc. I would be extremely proud if he were to ply his trade at our club.
Who do you want to see join the toon ranks over the summer and how do you think they could fit into our team?