Newcastle Monitoring Serbian Midfielder

More bright prospects are being scribbled onto the club’s transfer list, with scouts having apparently monitored NAC Breda’s Nemanja Gudelj in their recent defeat to ADO Den Haag.

The 21 year old has impressed for his Eredivisie side in the past few seasons, representing them on 66 occasions, a statistic which must be considered impressive considering his age.

However, progression to a potential deal may have been halted by a rather peculiar barrier. For just a few hours ago, NAC Breda appointed a new manager following their lethargic start to the season – and that man is Nemanja’s father, Nebojsa.

Inevitably, the youngster will look to continue with the development of his career under the watchful gaze of his dad. In fact, Gudelj has even revealed that he intends to remain at NAC for now despite being heavily linked with a number of clubs. However, I’m sure that he, as well as his father, will know that the midfielder will have to move on in the next few years in order to fulfil his credentials.

And that’s when Newcastle might have a chance to strike if he continues to impress. But the question is, should we wait for Gudelj to shake off the hold of his manager/father?

Well, once again, it is difficult to answer such a question given the unpredictability of football, and I’m sure it’s one that’s open to debate among the fans. However, what should be said is that you run the risk of losing out on a bright young talent if you wait too long. For if this lad continues to grow as a footballer, so will his price tag. Considering this club’s philosophy of economically efficient signings, that could mean that we miss out on a player who Graham Carr & co. clearly had interest in.

Another problem is that we may need additional midfielders in the coming months. Speculation surrounding Tiote and Cabaye refuses to die down, and so we may have to look for an immediate replacement. Clearly, Gudelj wouldn’t fit this category.

With that in mind, perhaps it isn’t worth waiting on Gudelj, for in football, you simply can’t afford to. Nevertheless, it’s rather frustrating that our choices have been restricted by the young man’s father.

Have you seen the lad play before? If so, get in touch.