Boubakary Soumare (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Newcastle United are tipped to sign French youth international Boubakary Soumare in the summer.
Soumare, 21, signed for Lille from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2017 and has progressed through the youth ranks with the French national side to become a star for the U21s. The midfielder has been in brilliant form for Lille, managing 29 games across all competitions this season.
He burst onto the scene with Lille in 2017 and since then, he has been a key member of the squad. He has put in several eye-catching displays that belies his tender age.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce’s men have endured mixed results so far. With just one win out of the last 10 games, they have fallen to 14th position in the league table. While the Magpies have struggled to score goals, they have not been at their best in defensive situations also.
They have conceded 41 goals so far and it doesn’t sound good for a team that is aiming for a finish within the top half of the table. Newcastle made just loan signings in the summer, adding Valentino Lazaro, Nabil Bentaleb and Danny Rose to the squad. However, they have failed to bring in reinforcements to key areas and the manager should be able to sign a defensive midfielder.
Isaac Hayden, Matty Longstaff and Jack Colback are the three players available in defensive midfield position but they are yet to make an impact. While Hayden has featured regularly, Longstaff has seen limited game time and is yet to convince the manager for a regular spot in the starting XI.
On the other hand, Englishman Colback has not featured at all throughout the season and is ageing (30). In that regard, Boubakary Soumare would be an ideal choice for the Toon as he has been a regular and is just 21. He can be brought in as a replacement for the former Sunderland man.
The French youth international has been in the form of his life and his inclusion to Bruce’s squad would give the manager more options to choose form.
His abilities have been top-notch and he has run the show for Lille so far in the middle of the park, as evident from his performances this season. He has shown his potential so far.
At the age of 21, Soumare has a long way to go in his career. His potential can be unleashed and Bruce should be able to get the best out of him. And he is capable of representing the Magpies in the long run given his age.
Therefore, Newcastle should not miss the opportunity to sign the Frenchman and lure him to St. James’ Park.
