According to ‘Get German Football News’ reporter Daniel Plinder, Newcastle were ‘close’ to signing highly-rated striker Sebastien Haller prior to his move to Frankfurt last summer – hinting that Rafa Benitez could make another attempt to sign him for NUFC.
Benitez was believed to have contacted the 6ft 3′ Frenchman back when we were gunning to gain promotion from the Championship, but was unable to convince him at the time due to us being in the English second tier at the time.
It wasn’t to be, but with us back in the big time and him continuing to impress, he’s one Rafa will no doubt have his eye on.
He’s taken his form in the Dutch league into the Bundesliga, with 13 goals and 7 assists this season – playing a big part in Frankfurt’s DFB Pokal success (the German cup), scoring 4 in 5 games on their way to the trophy.
Here’s what GGFN’s Daniel Plinder admitted when speaking to the Chronicle about the 23-year-old talent:
“A player in demand last summer, Newcastle United know Sébastien Haller all too well given they were close to signing the 23-year-old from FC Utrecht before he joined Eintracht Frankfurt.
“The Frenchman enjoyed an impressive start in the Bundesliga, scoring winning goals against Cologne, Stuttgart and Werder Bremen and even though Haller has just three goals in 2018, his prowess inside the 18-yard box is a tool that Rafael Benitez could do with next season.”
“Probable Asking Price – £18m”
Interestingly, Haller admitted that Benitez tried to sign him for Newcastle last January, but ended up opting for a move to Frankfurt due to the fact our promotion back to the Premier League had not been confirmed at that point.
“It could have been an option, but to sign in the Championship, is this growth?
“The Premier League, it was a bit premature, I still need to play, to prove myself.
With all of the above in mind, could he be a player we take another look at this summer? He’s 23 (so has plenty room to develop under Rafa), 6ft 3′ tall (so the sort of striker who could take care of himself as a lone striker) and has proven himself to be a capable goalscorer in both the Dutch and German league – having bagged 53 goals and 19 assists across his last three seasons.
