According to L’Equipe, Newcastle beat Rangers to the signing of towering centre-back Ludwig Francillette this summer.
The 20-year-old completed a move to St James’ Park a month ago, however it’s emerged today that we beat Steven Gerrard to his signing, with L’Equipe claiming that we ‘didn’t hesitate’ to offer him a professional deal after he impressed on trial.
Francillette – who stands 6ft 4′ – has gone straight into our U-23 set-up and appears to have impressed second-string coach Neil Redfearn immediately, who’s already described him as a “great coup” for the club:
“The boys have done brilliant to pick him up.”
“He is a great coup and a great spot.”
Aside from reported interest from Rangers, a trial at St Mirren and a history of playing non-league football in France, Francillette is a complete unknown, with him turning out to be the ‘mystery player’ spotted holding up the shirt at St James’ Park a month ago.
Last September the centre-back was playing in the 9th Division of French football with AS Quetigny, and today he’s part of our U-23 side pushing to break into the senior set up.
He’s yet to make an appearance for the reserves, but he looks like one to watch in the U-23 set up over the coming years!
