‘He’s ridiculously talented’ – the winger NUFC missed a massive chance to sign

It was confirmed last summer that Newcastle ended their interest in Boro’s Adama Traore after becoming ‘off put’ by his £15m price tag – a decision the club may be living to regret given his rise to form recently.

Don’t get me wrong, the former Barcelona youth product has always seemed a raw talent, but his frightening pace and ability to beat his man at will was always there for all to see – even if he racked up just 1 assist in 32 appearances during Boro’s recent relegation season.

It was reported by the Chronicle last July (2017) that he had been discussed in transfer meetings at NUFC and both clubs were in talks, however our interest soon faded when they placed a £15m asking price on his head.

I can see why it may have seemed extortionate for a player whose final ball looked highly questionable, but his combination of pace, power and impressive dribbling stats remained incredibly impressive. He looked like the sort of high potential player who could thrive under Rafa’s watchful eye and attention to detail.

It looked like his future was going to be elsewhere, but Tony Pulis’ arrival on Teeside has very much changed that. He’s got the best out of the 22-year-old, with him delivering 5 goals, 3 assists and 4 man of the match performances in his last 11 appearances.

I’ve watched Middlesbrough a few times recently and to say Traore has been impressive is an understatement. Here’s a little clip of what he’s been doing (albeit in the second tier, but so so impressive):

I know it all seems easy to say in hindsight, but you have to question why we didn’t think he would be worth the gamble at £15m when we were happy to pay a fee rising to £12m for Jacob Murphy – a player who was by no means proven.

Maybe Rafa wondered if Traore was a team player (he runs with the ball so often), but his talent can’t be questioned and I watch him and wonder just how much of a weapon he could’ve been in our counter attacking set up.

Now he’s starting to show his undoubted talent, the fee of £15m we baulked at seems like a bargain and one Benitez may live to regret.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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