According to L’Equipe, Newcastle United are one of five English clubs who were rebuffed in their attempts to sign 1.FSV Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Bundesliga outfit are believed to have rejected advances from the Magpies, who reportedly launched a bid in the region of €20-25 million for the Frenchman.
The report claims that Watford, Southampton, Everton as well as French giants AS Monaco and Marseille are also keen on securing the services of Mateta this summer. So, should Newcastle retain their interest in this Bundesliga forward?
Mateta’s success in the Bundesliga
Mateta joined Mainz as the replacement for current Newcastle striker Yoshinori Muto last summer, in a €10 million move from Olympique Lyonnais. And the Frenchman quickly made an impact in the Bundesliga upon his move to Germany.
Indeed, the young forward scored 14 goals in 34 matches while registering three assists. He ended the campaign as the club’s leading goalscorer by a considerable margin (Karim Onisiwo was the second highest scorer with seven goals). He was also one of the Bundesliga’s most productive players in the second half of the table, having been involved in 17 goals.
What can Mateta bring to the table?
Mateta is advertised as a snapshooter, whose quick-feet and intelligent movements inside the box makes him a scourge for the defenders. He has averaged a whopping 2.9 shots per game during the 2018/19 campaign, 2.1 of which have come from inside the penalty area.
The Frenchman also boasts a tall figure of 192cm. And that gives him a considerable advantage in the air. Four of his 14 goals have come from headers while the 21-year-old has won an impressive 3.1 headed per game this past season.
Matete’s biggest asset, however, is the sheer pace that makes him a genuine threat on the counter. When probing the opposition, the youngster also likes to make runs in behind the defence, making it almost impossible for the defenders to keep tabs on the Mainz forward.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Should Newcastle persist with their interest in Mateta
Mateta will undoubtedly be an excellent addition to Newcastle United. The Frenchman is equipped with the specific set of traits that could make him a tailor-made fit for the fast-paced nature of Premier League. He will arguably be an upgrade to Salomon Rondon given the mobility he can offer in the final third. And at the age of 21, Mateta will be an ideal long-term investment for the Magpies.
However, it is unlikely that Mainz will let go of their prized attacker just a season after signing him from Lyon. That being said, the 05-ers are not the most well-established clubs in Germany from a financial perspective, and a right offer could force them to allow the sale of Mateta this summer.
