Midfield is an area where Newcastle United must strengthen. It is not a matter of luxury. The Magpies’ midfield department badly needs reinforcements following the summer exits of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

Those two were arguably the Magpies’ best players entering this summer transfer window. On top of that, there have been suggestions that both Joe Willock and Joelinton could leave over the coming weeks.

On the other hand, the midfielders Newcastle United have brought in this summer are ‘project signings’, not players who you can expect to immediately move the needle.

In recent days, it had looked like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had a decent chance of being their veteran addition in the middle of the park. There have been suggestions that he was keen on the move as well. But out of nowhere, news broke today that the former Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder had turned down the opportunity to head to St James’ Park. It is back to square one for the Magpies.

Newcastle United tipped to sign Juventus midfielder following Hojbjerg’s rejection

Newcastle United fans would not have seen Hojbjerg’s rejection coming, to be honest. It is believed that the club were ready to meet Marseille’s transfer demands as well, which makes it even more hurtful for the supporters.

Anyways, Newcastle United cannot waste any time dwelling on the failed Hojbjerg move. And they have been tipped to bring in a Juventus midfielder instead.

According to reports in Italy, Newcastle United could now focus its attention on Teun Koopmeiners in a more concrete way. The Dutch midfielder is among the names linked to the Magpies, in addition to Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.

To be frank, I have not seen much regarding a potential move for Koopmeiners. But it looks like the Dutch international is one of the alternatives Newcastle United could be eyeing following the collapse of the move for Hojbjerg.

Pros and cons of signing Koopmeiners

Koopmeiners has played in 89 games in two seasons since joining Juventus from Atalanta. Yet, the general belief is that we have never seen his best in Turin.

Now, 28 years of age, the Dutch international could find himself on the move once again. And could Newcastle United offer him a route out of Juventus?

On one hand, a move would make sense. Koopmeiners is proven at both club and international levels. Also, at 28 years of age, he should have his prime in front of him.

On the other hand, someone like Palhinha is proven in the Premier League. We have seen plenty come in from Serie A and struggle to adjust to the pace and physicality of the English top flight.