Newly promoted Premier League side Newcastle United have been just handed a huge boost in pursuit of their long-term target this summer Ryan Boudebouz, as another of his prime suitors, AS Lyon, have reportedly pulled out of the race. The Montpellier playmaker has been one of the best creators in the French league garnering attention from numerous clubs across Europe.
Newcastle have been all over the news in recent weeks owing to their extremely active stance in the transfer market, but except getting the deal permanent for former Chelsea loanee, Cristian Atsu, they haven’t managed to make any real mark. And it is very much unlike their previous transfer period where they had everything sorted out right at the beginning.
Benitez’s debut Championship title win relied hugely on his successful summer shopping last year, where he had got all his priorities before any other side had started, and the Magpies’ grand stature in the second-tier further helped their cause. But Premier League is a different ball game and they have faced stiff competition in their pursuit of every top target.
Benitez had got most of his chances created by the likes of Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez and Jonjo Shelvey, but their inexperience at the top level apart from Shelvey means that the Spaniard would need a proven playmaker in the attacking third. And Boudebouz ticks the boxes.
The Montpellier playmaker was one of their best players last season with an impressive 11 goals and 10 goals in all competitions. However, his brilliance couldn’t help the French side from finishing in the bottom half of the table. And reportedly, the 27-year-old Algerian international now wants a move out of the club.
Mainly a number 10, Boudebouz is equally deft playing on either flank. However, apart from Lyon, who are no more a potential threat for Newcastle, Serie A side Lazio and Bundesliga Bayer Leverkusen have also shown immense interest in the player. And their European stature could be a stumbling block in the Toons going for him.
The player is also a common face in the Algerian national team, where he has managed a decent 24 caps so far since making his debut in 2010. He played a significant role for the side in both World Cup and African Cup of Nations, and his immense experience could be a huge asset for Newcastle.
A youth product of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, the player came terribly close to joining Liverpool in 2012, but talks fell through. Now, with hardly any English team scouting him, Benitez can get him for anything in the region of £13 million.
