According to a recent report by The Chronicle, Newcastle United are monitoring the development of OGC Nice midfield ace Wylan Cyprien ahead of a potential move in the summer. The same source has also revealed that the Magpies sent scouts to catch the Frenchman in action throughout this campaign but would face competition from Everton in pursuit of the player in the off-season.
Cyprien’s Rich Vein Of Form In The French First Division
Cyprien has enjoyed a productive season in the Ligue 1 after putting in a string of eye-catching displays for Patrick Vieira’s team so far. He had scored eight goals and provided five assists in 25 matches for Nice this term on all fronts before the football world came to a standstill due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. His numbers prove that he is getting better with each season and so Newcastle will do well to lure him away from France this summer.
The 25-year-old has averaged 0.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 2.9 shots, 1.9 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the French top-flight which goes to highlight his growing influence at both ends of the field (stats via whoscored). He has slowly but surely converted himself into an all-around midfielder at the heart of Viera’s first-team.
Despite improving his game considerably this season, the talented midfielder has still not secured a senior cap for the French national side. However, he has represented his country at various youth levels thus far. Maybe, switching clubs to play at a bigger stage could help him catch the attention of Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the UEFA European Championship which has been rescheduled to kick off in the summer of 2021.
What Will The Ligue 1 Sensation Add To Bruce’s Side?
Cyprien has decent pace in his locker and can make some darting runs with the ball from midfield. He is also a potent threat from dead-ball situations and is not afraid to cover a lot of ground for the benefit of his team. The French midfield ace excels at interchanging passes with others around him and has shown this season that he can contribute by scoring or setting up some important goals going forward.
Cyprien can also provide adequate protection to the backline as he has the work-ethic to chase down the opposition attackers and win possession back for his side. A midfielder of his skillset will undeniably be a welcome addition to Steve Bruce’s squad at St. James’ Park. The Magpies need a dominant presence in their midfield so that they can gain more control during their matches in the Premier League next season.
The French playmaker will be an upgrade over any of Bruce’s current midfield options at Tyneside, and so it makes a lot of sense for Newcastle to sign the player during the summer transfer period. Cyprien’s defensive awareness, coupled with his goal-scoring and creativity from midfield, make him a perfect fit for the Magpies. He will not only add some much-needed bite and steel to Bruce’s midfield but will also improve the overall depth of the Newcastle squad.
