Newcastle (sort of) solve striker problem
Newcastle have confirmed the capture of Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi on a free transfer until the end of the season, having been linked with a number of out-of-contract forwards, including former Brazilian international Ewerthon and one-time Arsenal trainee Jeremie Aliadiere.
It's not a signing that will go anywhere near to dampening Newcastle supporters' disappointment at the £35 million deadline day sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool, however Alan Pardew perhaps deserves credit from bringing someone in rather than hoping for the best with what he has left.
Kuqi has played in the Premier League with Blackburn and Fulham, where his scoring record wasn't great but was far from embarrassing, netting seven times in 18 top-flight starts and 26 appearances off the bench, yet he failed to impress for Championship club Swansea, who cancelled his contract last month.
Pardew, who has seen Shola Ameobi ruled out for up to six weeks to leave him with only Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and youngster Nile Ranger as forward options, is arguably hoping that the motivation of this being the 34-year-old's last shot at the top level will work in the Magpies' favour.
He justified the addition by saying: "He's match fit and knows the English game well having been in the country for the best part of 10 years. He is ready straight away and that's what we wanted. Shefki is a good, honest pro who will give us a strong physical presence from the bench."
This is another transfer that has provoked huge debate at Betfair Football HQ, with some feeling that the signing is an insult to the strikers in the side's academy.
Our opinion though is that Pardew is in the right, as the deal will likely cost around £100,000 and with Newcastle ([15.0] to go down) two or three wins from safety, one scrappy goal off Kuqi's shin in a tight 1-0 victory would more than cover the cost.
Toon Army, how do you feel about Kuqi's arrival? Tell us in the box below...
Published: 10 Feb 2011
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