It’s been well documented that Eddie Howe is looking to bring another central midfielder to Newcastle United this summer.
We have a box-to-box midfielder in Bruno Guimaraes, a deep-lying playmaker in Jonjo Shelvey, an ever-improving Joelinton and someone who can score goals by arriving into the box late in Joe Willock, but we lack an out and out defensive midfielder who can protect the back four.
One player who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park for several years now is Ibrahim Sangare – and it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he’s back on our radar this summer.
Many were surprised to see the 24-year-old join PSV – not a big side in one of Europe’s top leagues – when he left a relegated Toulouse for just £7m back in September 2020, however it seems he could be on the move again.
Sky Sports have revealed that a €35m (£30m) release clause exists in his contract and have credited both Manchester United and Chelsea with an interest in the Ivory Coast international, highlighting that Newcastle could also be in the mix after being linked via the Dutch media.
A 6ft 3′ powerhouse who is mobile, strong in the tackle, comfortable on the ball and capable of carrying it forward is exactly what we need in that midfield three, meaning Sangare could be the sort of number six needed to compliment both Bruno and Shelvey.
One to watch this summer? With him young, a player of huge potential and available at a reasonable fee, I think he just might be…
I’d rather we spent the money on a more creative, goal scoring mid. I know Bruno is pretty complete and can play that role when needed, but that run of goals he had was likely a purple patch, given his goal scoring record before that was far from spectacular. Of course that could have had a lot to do with the position he was playing for Lyon and in Brazil. Regardless I think we really need someone like an Eriksen or Paqueta, even if they are quite different players they both bring creativity and goals in different ways. Bruno and Joelinton are more than capable of breaking up play and protecting our back four, without having to spunk 30+ on a defensive mid specialist. Of course I’m not saying we won’t need one in the future, but there are more pressing priorities to address first, given that our budget is limited by FFP.
Kevin Mclaughlin(Quote)
Agreed Kevin
He’d be great against the big boys, Liverpool and City, possibly one or two others, but for now a creative type to unlock defences set up to frustrate is needed more.
PremAndUp(Quote)
In what world is Shelvey playing regularly for NUFC next season? Agreed gents; Pacqueta would be a great signing. I also think Yves Bissouma is a teemendous box to box player who would improve the team. Right winger has to be a priority too. A shame Diaby isn’t interested.
Stoneghost(Quote)
If we could get him Leandro Trossard is the one player to give a free roll around the box He is an attacking left winger who could easily convert to around the box gem
Charles Haddon(Quote)