Newcastle United reportedly have been targeting RB Salzburg’s Valon Berisha for a while now but have not tabled any offers yet. Speaking to Norwegian TV2, the 25-year-old said, “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.”
Berisha operates from the midfield position, both centrally and the wings. He scored 13 goals and set up 11 assists in 45 appearances to help the Bulls to the Austrian Bundesliga. He still has two more years left in his current deal, since signing with the club in 2012.
Berisha was born in Malmo, Sweden to parents of Albanian ethnicity. He moved to Kosovo when he was still young and played in 58 games for Norway’s youth sides. The midfielder was already touted as one of the best young talents in the country and was allowed to make his senior team debut in the 1-1 draw against Denmark in January 2012.
Berisha spent his early years with Egersunds IK and really found a spotlight with Norwegian outfit, Viking. He appeared in 60 games and scored 4 goals before making his way over to Wals-Siezenheim.
After making 20 appearances for Norway’s international side, he switched his allegiance to Kosovo after the country got affiliated to FIFA. Now the midfielder has earned 10 caps for his home nation and has racked up 233 for Salzburg.
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, Berisha is a man of many talents. He is technically adept at carrying the ball forward and also has a creative eye on the pitch. The 25-year-old is composed with possession and has slowly developed into a top professional in the European top-flight.
He scored against Hibernians FC in the UEFA Champions League qualifying stage and helped the side to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The Kosova international has noticed the improvements he has made over the past season as he said, “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.”
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Newcastle United are yet to tie down the services of Chelsea winger, Kenedy with the Blues holding out for a convincing offer. Berisha could be acquired at a cheaper rate and might just be a better fit at Tyneside.
