Daily Mail are reporting that Newcastle United are eyeing the signature of Montpellier forward Thomas Robert. The starlet is the son of Laurent Robert, who had played for the same club from 2001 to 2005. Thomas has recently turned down an opportunity for a contract extension with the French club, making him a hot prospect for many English clubs.
If the youngster joins the Magpies, he would be the second in the family to come to the Tyneside. The report further goes on to say that a few Scottish Premiership clubs are also trying to rope him in and outfits like Nice and Rennes have already offered him a contract.
The situation at the club
Newcastle United have their future hanging in the balance being in the midst of a takeover deal, which is facing several stumbling blocks. If the deal goes through, the Magpies should immediately have a huge transfer budget to go for the most exciting players in Europe.
However, until the deal goes through, the club would have to keep in mind their budgetary limitations and make plans accordingly. In both these scenarios, trying to rope in a player like Robert makes sense considering his age and the fact that he is a free agent after this season. Coming to a club like Newcastle United, who are in the Premier League, with or without the Saudi money, would be a massive step for the teenager.
What would he bring to St. James’ Park?
Primarily a right-winger by trade, the youngster has already shown enough versatility to be also deployed at the left side of the forward line. Blessed with blistering pace and creativity, Robert can make darting runs through the flanks and beat the defenders of the oppositions with ease.
He has a knack for scoring goals and thus is easily able to cut inside and take a shot towards the goal. The progress that the Montpellier forward has shown in this short span should make the supporters of the club extremely excited. However, there are certainly a few facets in his game that could improve.
Robert does not boast of a significant aerial presence, while his work ethic can also be put to question. If he can improve these qualities, he is sure to have a long and successful spell with the club.
At this moment it is not expected that he would get into the first team week in week out. However, he needs to keep his momentum going, and with the guidance of his countryman Allan Saint-Maximin, he could soon turn out to be an effective acquisition for the club. Steve Bruce should have a competent player in Robert if he can pull this deal off and the veteran manager should leave no stones unturned in the pursuit of the youngster.
