In a recent report, The Daily Mail stated that Newcastle United are in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina this summer. The Northern Echo also backed the claim by revealing that the Magpies are close to clinching a deal to land the Saints midfield ace during this summer transfer window.
Lemina’s Fruitful Loan Spell At Fulham
Lemina had a solid campaign while on loan at Fulham despite being relegated with them from the Premier League last season. The 27-year-old featured in 30 matches for the Cottagers last season, registering one goal and one assist across various competitions.
The Libreville-born sensation was a valuable contributor at the heart of the Fulham midfield as he averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.7 shots and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign. He even spread possession quite well from midfield after completing 83.5% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Lemina has begun to display some signs of maturity in English football over the past 12 months, so he could be a shrewd acquisition for the Magpies if they can get a deal over the line for him before the start of the new season.
Will Signing Lemina Be A Wise For The Magpies?
Lemina has often been unleashed as a holding midfielder but is versatile enough to fill in as a right-back if needed. He can clear his lines when needed and can make a few solid tackles to secure the ball back for his team.
The Saints midfielder is a good passer of the ball and can create some decent plays for others around him. However, he needs to improve his contributions in the final third if he wants to become a world-class, two-way midfielder someday.
Someone of Lemina’s skillset will be a good addition to Steve Bruce’s squad as he can influence the game at both ends of the pitch. He will offer some healthy competition for Sean Longstaff and Jonjo Shelvey at St. James’ Park next season.
We can expect him to add a lot of bite and steel to Bruce’s midfield department and could help the Magpies compete for a top-half finish in the Premier League. Therefore, the Tyneside outfit would be wise to get Lemina on board so that they have a strong squad ahead of the new campaign.
