Rennes left-back Faitout Maouassa celebrates after scoring a goal during the Ligue One match against Montpellier in March. (Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe (h/t Daily Mail), Newcastle United are eyeing a summer move for Rennes left-back Faitout Maouassa to bolster their backline.
Maouassa, 21, came through the ranks of AS Nancy’s youth system and made a breakthrough in the 2014/15 season before joining Rennes. Though he struggled for game time initially at Roazhon Park, a loan spell with Nimes last season helped him gain some experience.
Since his return to Rennes last summer, he has been a regular member and his career has taken an upward turn. His impressive performances have also attracted interest from Manchester United, as per the report.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have endured a torrid second half of the season. After staying in the top half of the league table until December, Steve Bruce’s side slipped to 13th position in the league table after just two wins out of their last 11 league games.
One of the major reasons for their downfall is the lack of consistency in front of goal. In the last 11 games, they managed just 7 goals, and the defensive unit also has to be blamed for their inconsistency, conceding 18 goals during that time.
While it is clear that the Magpies need to bring in reinforcements to their attacking unit, they should also look to strengthen their backline and a left-back is necessary, at the moment. Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems have been on the sidelines due to major injuries and Danny Rose was signed on loan in January.
However, with Willems and Rose on loan and their future at the club still uncertain, the manager should look to bring in a left-back as cover for Dummett. In that regard, Rennes’ Maouassa would be a perfect signing for the squad.
Maouassa has been in fine form in the past two seasons and his rise has been incredible. The youngster has featured in 23 Ligue 1 games so far, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He has been an integral part of the Rennes squad which is 4th in the Ligue 1 standings, conceding just 24 goals.
The French U21 international’s inclusion to the Newcastle squad would be a massive boost. And if he is able to replicate the same form, he would bring healthy competition for the left-back spot at St. James’ Park.
He is just 21 and has a long future ahead of him. At the same time, the Magpies are in dire need of a left-back and Maouassa could provide them with the required depth. Thus, Newcastle United should lure the Frenchman to Tyneside in the summer.
