According to a recent report by L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), Newcastle United have held discussions with LOSC Lille over the possibility of bringing Thiago Maia to St. James’ Park during this summer transfer period. However, the same source has also claimed that nothing has been finalised yet between the two clubs.
The English transfer window is set to close later this week, so the Magpies don’t have time on their side in pursuit of the Ligue 1 midfield ace in this off-season. Steve Bruce is in dire need of more reinforcements if he wants to have a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
Thiago Maia: A Rising Star In The French Top-Flight?
Maia could be a decent acquisition for Bruce as the Brazilian talent is a commanding presence at the centre of the park who can protect the backline well using his strength and defensive awareness. The 22-year-old featured in 27 matches for Lille last season and has one assist to his name across all competitions.
On the defensive end, the South American midfielder made an average of 1.3 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 0.8 clearances in the French top-flight (stats via whoscored). Maia has also represented Brazil at various youth levels and was an integral member for his nation in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
What Will The Brazilian Youngster Bring To St. James’ Park?
The Lille rising star, who came through the youth ranks of Santos, is moderately paced and can retain possession well for his team in midfield. He can provide adequate cover at the back when his teammates need his help and can make some vital interceptions for his side.
However, Maia is still quite inexperienced as he hasn’t played football consistently at the highest level. Thus, he will need time to settle into life in England before he is ready to perform at his best in the Premier League someday. Even then, the pros outweigh the cons so the Magpies will benefit from acquiring a young midfielder like Maia this summer.
The Brazilian sensation will not only improve Bruce’s midfield options at the Tyneside club but will also increase competition for places within the Newcastle squad. Therefore, it makes sense for the Magpies to go all out in pursuit of the Ligue 1 midfield ace before the start of the new campaign.
