Red Bull Salzburg star Valon Berisha has confirmed that Newcastle are ‘very interested’ in signing him this summer – confirming that the club have followed him for a ‘long time’ and that a move to the Premier League would be a ‘dream’.
The playmaker has been tracked by Newcastle scouts over the past 18 months (according to the Chronicle) and he has just enjoyed an impressive season with the Austrian champions, scoring 13 and assisting 11 from midfield over 2017/18.
It had sounded like he was close to a £7m move to Sampdoria just recently, but it sounds like he may just be holding out for a move to the Premier League based on these comments.
Here’s what the 25-year-old has had to say when speaking to Norweigan TV station TV2:
“They’ve been following me for a long time. There is an interest there, but there is nothing on the table that I have to decide on yet. England is the dream and we will see what it will be like.”
A small "exclusive" for you. Valon Berisha says he knows #nufc has followed him for a long time and that there’s real interest there.
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) June 22, 2018
Rafa clearly wants (and needs) another option in the number 10 role and Berisha could be the ideal signing.
From what I’ve read and what I’ve seen he’s versatile, a hard worker, but a player who also has real quality – with him looking more than good enough to make the Premier League step up when I caught a glimpse of him in the Europa League last season.
Here’s what else he said during his latest interview:
“Now I have come to a position where I might be on top of where I can be in a club like Salzburg. It may be time for a new step.
“I feel in a way that I’ve gotten the best in the club now, and then it’s time for a new challenge. That’s what has always been the goal. It was the same when I grew up in Egersund and wanted to stay there. Then I came to Viking and took a big step in Tippeligaen. I would be best there, then take a new step. I have done the same thing I’ve done in Salzburg.”
“I’m a much more complete player, both in the defensive and offensive part of the game,”
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger mentally, given that I’ve been playing a club that must win the league always. (They) must, must, must (win the league) – there is a much greater pressure. And when you get used to pushing anyway, it will not be a big challenge when you reach the Europa League and will play against big clubs. You fear no opponents.”
A come and get me plea if I’ve ever seen one and potentially summer signing number two if we’re prepared to finally up our interest.
Let’s hope we finally make a move to get this one done.
Valon Berisha's second goal against Borussia Dormund. #KosovoPower pic.twitter.com/nzq5Q3kpxU
— Kosovan Football?? (@kosovanfooty) March 8, 2018
