Nabil Fekir is one of the most talented creative midfielders in Europe (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Newcastle United are interested in signing Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir when the summer transfer window commences.
Fekir, 26, is a product of Lyon’s youth academy. He was promoted to the senior set-up in 2013 and became a regular member of the squad in the following season after being named as the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
He went on to make 193 appearances for the French outfit, scoring 69 goals and providing 46 assists in the process. He has also established himself as one of the best playmakers in Europe.
Last summer, the Frenchman moved to Betis and has been one of the key players this term. He has also won the World Cup with France and is considered to a great talent. Thus, Newcastle should make a move for him once their takeover is completed.
The magpies have struggled with consistency throughout the campaign and their recent form has not helped in their bid for a higher place finish. After just two wins from their last 11 league games, the Magpies have fallen to 13th position in the league standings.
One of the major reasons for their downfall is the lack of consistency in front of goal. Steve Bruce’s men have managed to score just 25 goals so far, which is the joint-lowest in the league. Summer signing Joelinton has netted just 3 goals across all competitions. The other strikers have failed to open their account yet and it is clear that Bruce should sign reinforcements.
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is their top scorer with 5 goals and none of them has stepped up so far. Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie are the only other attack-minded midfielders. Valentino Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb were signed on loan but they could return once their contract expires in the summer.
With limited quality in their midfield department, Newcastle making a move for Fekir could pay off well. The Frenchman has been in fine form for the past few years, creating the play for Lyon and scoring a handful of goals.
After scoring 18 Ligue 1 goals in the 2017/18 campaign, he racked up 9 goals last season, further setting 14 more for his side. This season, at Betis, he has already notched up 7 goals and 6 assists, while helping them to 12th position in the La Liga standings.
Given the Frenchman’s form in recent years, he could be the creative hub for the Magpies if he joins them. He would definitely provide them with goals. Almiron is the only attacking midfielder in the squad but the Paraguayan has mainly featured as a winger. In that case, Fekir would be a creative boost to the club.
At 26, the former Lyon man is at the right time to take a great leap into the Premier League. He would also bring in a wealth of experience to the squad, whilst adding depth to Bruce’s squad. Thus, Newcastle should make a prompt attempt to lure Fekir to St. James’ Park this summer.
