According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United along with league rivals West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been offered the opportunity to sign Morgan Sanson. The Marseille midfielder is likely to leave after the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification next season. As a result, the French outfit is forced to cut down on wages by selling a few of their star players.
It is believed that Sanson is valued at around €35 million by Marseille. And the club’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has already held talks with the player’s agent regarding a potential move away from Velodrome this summer.
Sanson’s successful spell at Marseille
Since joining the club back in 2017 in a €12 million move from Montpellier, Sanson has become a pivotal part of Marseille’s midfield unit. The Frenchman made 33 league appearances during his debut campaign at the Velodrome, enjoying an excellent campaign that saw him score nine goals.
And he followed that up with yet another productive season. Although Sanson wasn’t as impressive as he was during the 2017/18 campaign, he was still involved in eight goals in 33 league matches. His services in midfield and in attack were useful to Marseille’s turbulent campaign that saw them finish fifth in the league table.
What can Sanson bring to the table?
Sanson is an attack-minded central midfielder, who loves to venture forward with the ball. Indeed, he often finds himself involved in glorious scoring opportunity, thanks to his driving runs into the final third.
His shooting prowess, on the other hand, makes him a threat from long-range. He has averaged 1.1 shots on goal per game this past season, most of which have come from outside the box. It also helps him finish more accurately when compared to other midfielders, which is why the Frenchman has been really productive in front of goal.
Also, Sanson is blessed with quick feet, which enables him to drift past defenders. The 24-year-old has notably averaged one successful dribble per game during the 2018/19 campaign.
Should Newcastle make a move for Sanson?
Sanson would be a smart addition to the Newcastle side amid reports linking Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey with a move away from Tyneside this summer. He can also provide the creative essence the Magpies have been missing for the past few years.
That being said, a lot will depend on the outcome of the ongoing takeover talks. And with Rafa Benitez himself facing an uncertain future at the club, it’s doubtful Newcastle will make a move for Sanson anytime soon, despite their fascination with French players.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
