Lyon winger Martin Terrier was linked (L’Equipe) with a move to Newcastle United during the January transfer window. However, the talented attacker stayed put at the French club. The Magpies even tried to sign him on a half-season loan, but the French side were keen to hold on to him.
Terrier recently impressed in the tie against Montpellier and one could understand why Newcastle were looking to sign him. Also, it was apparent why Lyon decided to keep hold of him. Traditionally a left winger, the 22-year-old can even start up front as the man up top. He also has the ability to play as an attacking midfielder.
The player has started just 8 games in Ligue 1 this season so the English club might be able to offer him better playing opportunities. However, Terrier seems to be one for the future, and he still has a long term contract with Lyon up until 2022. Moreover, the French outfit seems to rate him highly at the moment. After recent performances, regular starts for this 22-year-old could be around the corner.
Rafael Benitez has once again been able to bring the best out of his squad, and Newcastle United are likely to stay up in the Premier League. They broke their all-time transfer record by bringing in Miguel Almiron, and that must give some hopes to the fans that the club might pursue some more talents in the upcoming future.
Terrier is in no way a finished product yet, and he might take some time to produce the goods in the English top flight. However, we have no doubt that given his ability and potential, he can turn out to be a crucial signing for the Magpies.
The standout factor about this former France u-21 international is his impressive pace. At his best, not many defenders would be able to contain him. However, what makes him a real threat is his ability to finish in front of goal. Terrier has decent finishing skills and is often calm and composed in one on one situations.
Therefore he could be used as a handy backup striker and given his pace, he can torment central defenders with his runs from the shoulders of the defenders. We feel that the Toon should reignite their interest in this versatile attacking player in the summer as he can turn out to be another game-changing signing like Almiron in the attacking half of the pitch.
