According to a recent tweet by renowned Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Premier League outfit Newcastle United had a £45m bid accepted by Ligue 1 side Lille for the services of midfield star Boubakary Soumare, only for it to then be called off by the player himself for lack of desire to make the switch to Tyneside. Although the clubs were able to work out a deal between each other, a lack of satisfaction from the player’s end meant that it had to be called off.
It has been suggested that the Magpies could make a move again in the summer, but there’s no denying that defensive-midfield is a problem position for Steve Bruce’s side. A recent report by Daily Mail is claiming that Premier League giants Tottenham are keen to offload midfield destroyer Victor Wanyama in January, thereby presenting Magpies’ boss Bruce with an excellent alternative to Soumare in the middle of the park.
What Is Victor Wanyama’s Legacy At Tottenham?
The Kenyan international midfielder has been around the Premier League scene for quite a while now, having joined Southampton from Scottish side Celtic in the summer of 2013. Although his progress has been rather gradual, there’s no denying that this absolute unit of a footballer can be quite the force in the heart of midfield. An international of over 50 caps for Kenya, the 28-year-old has made a little over 150 appearances in the English top-flight, split over both Spurs and his former employer.
The midfield star has unfortunately fallen entirely out of favour since the start of the campaign and has made just two appearances in the league all season. The lack of game time is sure to be frustrating, especially considering that the Kenyan is a player of real quality. Adept at linking the attacking and defensive lines, the big man tends to be an excellent passer of the ball and can be quite the force in the air as well. There’s no denying though, that the Spurs man’s best quality is his ability to read opposition play and make timely interceptions – an attribute that the Magpies have been crying out for this season.
Why Newcastle United Must Sign Victor Wanyama In January?
The Magpies have been struggling to find any kind of form over recent months, despite picking up a plethora of highly motivating points along the way. One thing that has cost them dearly is their lack of goals, and while that could be down to a potent striker, it can be argued that the young Newcastle midfielders aren’t able to provide the fluidity that is required in the final third.
The likes of Issac Hayden, Sean Longstaff and Matty Longstaff have undeniably done a great job this term, but they seem to lack an edge that can only be developed with experience. Adding a player like Wanyama into the mix would not only provide the defensive players with a little more cover but would also allow the Newcastle attackers the freedom to go out and express themselves a little bit more.
Missing out on a player of Soumare’s quality can come as difficult news, but to save their entire campaign, Steve Bruce will do well to sign up Victor Wanyama while the winter window is still open.
