Newcastle United are interested in securing the services of Stoke City midfielder Badou Ndiaye this summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies are looking to snap up the Potters midfielder as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. However, the Tynesiders will face stiff competition from other English clubs in the race to sign the 27-year-old during this summer transfer window.
The Senegalese talent put pen to paper on a deal with Stoke from Galatasaray during the January transfer window for a fee in the region of £14m. His agent has confirmed recently that Ndiaye will seal a switch away from the bet365 Stadium following the club’s demotion from the English top tier. He had put in a number of outstanding performances for the Potters during the course of the last campaign which has not gone unnoticed by other clubs.
Ndiaye had featured in 13 matches for the Potters in the league last term, registering two goals while creating one assist during that time. He is exactly the kind of talent who can flourish under the masterful guidance of Rafael Benitez at St. James’ Park.
The Dakar-born midfield enforcer is currently out on international duty for his country in Russia and had played 81 minutes in Senegal’s 2-2 draw with Japan in the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Tyneside outfit had a long and hard domestic campaign last term and could only grind out a 10th placed finish in the English top-flight. However, Benitez’s team still managed to avoid relegation and will now be expected to push on and challenge for a European place in the upcoming season.
The potential acquisition of Ndiaye will undoubtedly bolster Benitez’s midfield options at Tyneside. Newcastle United have a whole host of midfield talents such as Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diame, Mikel Merino, Isaac Hayden and Jacob Murphy who are all competing for a place in their starting XI. The addition of Ndiaye will definitely improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within Benitez’s squad.
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The Magpies lacked creativity and dynamism from midfield last season and recruiting Ndiaye would go a long way in helping Benitez address that issue. The Senegalese talent has shown glimpses of his brilliance during his time at the bet365 Stadium which is why he will be a perfect fit for the Toon. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Ndiaye and whether he ends up sealing a move to Tyneside before the start of the new season.
