If reports are to be believed, newly promoted Premier League side Newcastle United are all set to match West Ham United’s pursuit of long-term target Badou N’Diaye. The highly-rated central midfielder of Turkish Super Lig, has been a hot prospect this summer with a number of Premier League clubs vying for him.
The Hammers had reportedly even agreed on a deal for the 26-year-old midfielder before it was claimed that nothing was finalised and Rafael Benitez still has a chance in it. Newcastle United have had a pretty frustrating summer this time as they are able to hardly sign their preferred targets.
Unlike last season, where Benitez cherry picked his choice of players quite early in the window and was up and running by this time, the Magpies have struggled to get players this summer and with just over two weeks left for the season to start, it seems like they have pushed the panic button already.
Attacking third and midfield remain tricky positions for the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss as he would find it difficult to gauge the quality, going by their last season’s display. The Toon army had excelled in all the aspects in the Championship last campaign, but Benitez knows that the exact side could go for a huge spin in the Premier League next season.
Despite having options like Jonjo Shelvey, Mohamed Diame, Jack Colback and Isaac Hayden in that position, Newcastle might still need someone who could bring in more discipline and look for the key passes from the deep midfield. And N’Diaye could be a good option in that role, given his 180cm frame and ability to hold the ball, which looks suitable for the Premier League.
There is no doubt the player wants to move, Osmanlispor finished 13th in the Turkish League last season and ahead of the World Cup year, the Senegal international will want to spend as much time in the limelight as possible. And it is just a matter of time before someone meets the asking price of the player which is set at £10million.
According to Sqwaka, N’Diaye is quite strong in taking on players with a successful take on rate of 71% and can take some very controlled long-range shots. Although he could find the net only twice from outside the box, among his six goals last season, he will improve with better players around him.
An academy product of Senegalese side Diambars de Saly Dourbe, N’Diaye moved to second tier Danish side FK Bodø/Glimt following a successful loan stint there, from where Osmanlispor picked him up in 2015. So is he the right man for the Magpies this summer?
