Newcastle United have an alternative transfer target for the left-back position in their sights – none other than Real Betis’ Juan Miranda, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Spanish international thrives in attacking positions, much like Kieran Trippier on the right-hand side of the Magpies’ backline. Nevertheless, Newcastle have yet to submit an official offer – it is also unclear as to how much Betis will require to secure his services.
On Newcastle’s manoeuvres in the transfer window, manager Eddie Howe said: “I’d love one more player and I think then we’d have the ideal depth, but let’s wait and see. We can’t just go out and slap money on the table and buy a player. We don’t have the resources to do that at the moment with FFP restrictions. It’s about trying to find a different way rather than paying money in the here and now.”
Will Juan Miranda be a good signing for Newcastle United?
Of the left-backs that Newcastle are interested in, we feel Miranda would be their best option. Not only is he excellent at getting forward, he is also a competent defender to boot.
Last season, he scored three goals for Betis in all competitions, alongside five assists. His talents have also been recognised by the Spanish national team – he received his first and only international cap back in 2021 in a friendly against Lithuania. He has been a mainstay of Spain’s youth teams, also.
Which other left-backs are they currently looking at?
Newcastle’s hunt for a left-back in the ongoing summer transfer window is well-documented. They have three other left-backs in their crosshairs – Lewis Hall, Marc Cucurella and Kieran Tierney.
Both Cucurella and Tierney are experienced senior team players, but Lewis Hall presents an interesting enigma. At the age of just 18, he still has plenty of developing to do – but given the Toon’s lack of options in his preferred role, he would likely become a first-team player upon his arrival.
He has the potential to be better than both Cucurella and Tierney – it remains to be seen if he can match the level that Miranda is playing at, however.