Newcastle United have been touted to make a move for Stoke City midfielder Badou Ndiaye this summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies have once again been linked with the Potters midfielder, who they have scouted in the past.
The Senegalese joined Stoke during the January transfer window for £14m but his agent has confirmed recently that the player will depart the bet365 Stadium following the Potters’ relegation to the English Championship. Some sources are now claiming that Ndiaye is eager to stay and fight for his place in the Premier League with Newcastle one of the clubs being tipped to be his likely destination. However, Rafael Benitez’s side could face stiff competition from the likes of Galatasaray, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers in pursuit of the Senegalese international this summer.
Ndiaye had made 13 appearances for the Potters in the top tier of English football last season, scoring two goals while grabbing one assist during that time. Only time will tell whether he can bounce back and cut the mustard in the English top-flight next term. He is exactly the kind of midfielder who can flourish under the expert guidance of Benitez at Tyneside.
The Magpies had a tough league campaign last term and could only grind out a 10th placed finish in the league standings. However, Benitez’s side managed to avoid relegation and will now be expected to push on and compete for a European place in the following campaign.
The potential acquisition of Ndiaye will undoubtedly bolster Benitez’s midfield options going into the new season. The Tyneside club has a whole host of midfield talents such as Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diame, Mikel Merino, Isaac Hayden and Jacob Murphy vying for a place in Benitez’s midfield. The addition of Ndiaye will definitely improve their team and add more competition for places within the Magpies squad.
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The Tyneside outfit lacked creativity and energy from the midfield, last season and recruiting Ndiaye would go a long way in helping Benitez address that problem. The Senegalese talent has shown during his spell at the bet365 Stadium that he can be a match-winner on his day, which is why he will be an ideal fit for Newcastle. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Ndiaye and whether he ends up making a switch to St. James’ Park next season.
