Aston Villa have been tipped to move for Jonathan Bamba (Getty Images)
Back in June 2017, the Foot Mercato reported that Newcastle United were interested in signing Jonathan Bamba, who was then playing for St. Etienne. (h/t French Football News) However, a move didn’t materialise and the French-born Ivorian joined LOSC Lille in the summer of 2018.
Jonathan Bamba, 23, has enjoyed a solid debut campaign with Lille, managing 14 goals and four assists in 41 games across all competitions. The 23-year-old formed a fantastic attacking trio alongside Nicolas Pepe and Rafael Leao, as Lille finished runners-up in the Ligue 1.
Given the impact Bamba made in his first season at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Newcastle United must reignite their interest in the 23-year-old winger.
Newcastle under Rafael Benitez have been solid at the back but always struggle to score goals in good numbers. In 46 league games last season, they managed to net only 42 goals, which is way below the standards. After maintaining the top-flight status, the Magpies need to play a bolder and aggressive style of football and score more goals to put teams away.
There is a massive probability that Newcastle’s star forward Ayoze Perez could leave the club this summer, with the Spaniard heavily linked with Arsenal and Inter Milan. The 25-year-old burst into life in the second half of the season and finished with 12 goals in 37 league appearances, which is quite impressive.
If Benitez fails to sign Salomon Rondon permanently and Perez leaves St. James’ Park in the summer, Newcastle will be in big trouble ahead of the new campaign. Hence, it makes sense for the Magpies to sign a new winger to add to the January capture of Miguel Almiron. For that reason, Jonathan Bamba could be an ideal choice for them.
The 23-year-old winger, who can play anywhere across the front line, would offer pace, versatility and a goal threat to Newcastle. Bamba works tirelessly off the ball which makes him a perfect fit for Benitez’s style of play. The former France Under-21 international has the intelligence to drop deeper into the midfield to open up space for his fellow attackers.
Bamba is technically brilliant and has the ability to carry the ball with immense pace and control. He is also a good crosser of the ball, while his vision to pick out of his teammate makes him such an exciting player to watch.
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The ex-Saint Etienne starlet still has a long way to go but under Rafael Benitez’s guidance and playing alongside some experienced Premier League players, he is certain to improve.
Bamba is an exciting prospect who has the potential to be a fantastic forward in the coming years. Benitez is the sort of manager who can bring out the best in a player like the French-born Ivorian and help him unlock his true potential.