NUFC make move to sign French duo? - Top talents but a worrying sign for Rafa Benitez..
by Simon Riddlesden · 3 August 2018, 13:42
We are all desperate for good news on new signings and there are reports from Sky and 'L'Equipe' that we are now in talks to sign two highly rated French youngsters - Lyon striker Myziane Maolida and PSG left back Stanley Nsoki.
Both are 19 and rated around £7m each and I have to say, I find the links a little baffling (and worrying) if they are indeed true.
They are promising players and well regarded in France but they just aren't the profile of player we need, seeming a far cry from the type of signing Rafa Benitez is wanting to see us make this summer.
Don't get me wrong, signing players for the future is great, but we need players for TODAY.
We don't have the luxury of spending our tiny budget on players who might come good - Rafa wants experienced and quality additions. Yes we need a left back and striker, but this feels like the board seeing pound signs and going for a player based on their ability to go up in value / sell on potential rather than what the manager wants or has asked for.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1025029239903535104
Rafa has insisted he needs experience, quality and PL know how - ironic that he gets told £8m may be 'too much' for Argentina's LB Nicolas Tagliafico and the club take an age to activate Rondons release clause (which has now expired) but they'll probably jump at the chance to snap up two highly rated Frenchman who the club probably think A) they'd make a killing off and B ) Benitez will be able to coach into being good enough eventually.
It's a big risk and suggests the club have not learned, going back to Graham Carr style signings.
For every Cabaye there was a Cabella or Saivet. These type of signings should be the icing on the cake so to speak and nice options to strengthen a strong squad after your main business is done - they should not be the mains signings. Especially up front, potentially signing a 19 year old striker with no PL experience would sum this summer up for NUFC.
It's about time Newcastle stopped gambling with events on and off the field and that includes trying to unearth gems rather than buying players we actually need.
