Transfer story
Despite scoring the highest number of goals in the Championship this season, it is understandable that Newcastle United want to strengthen their attacking unit to prepare for life in the Premier League.
A £80 million transfer kitty has been handed to manager Rafa Benitez as a huge summer is expected to get underway at the St. James’ Park. Ryan Boudebouz of Montpellier has been one of the best players in the Ligue 1 this season and has been a long-term target for the Magpies.
Benitez rejected the chance to sign him last summer after being unconvinced with the Algerian’s performances. But this season, Boudebouz has proved his worth as one of the best attackers in France and has ultimately attracted the interest of Lyon, Everton and Swansea City.
Montpellier value him at around £8.5 million and with a chance to have a major role to play with the Magpies, Boudebouz might accept an offer from the newly promoted side.
Player stats
The Algerian winger has been the best player in a relegation threatened side as it was his goal-scoring spree which helped the 2011 French champions save itself from the drop. With 9 goals and 11 assists to his name, Boudebouz has been one of the most creative players in Ligue 1 which helped him to accumulate 7 man of the match awards. (Stats via Whoscored)
What’ll he offer the club?
He is an agile customer who can play on either of the wings and also in a number 10 role. His best performances have come when he has played just behind the striker where his playmaking abilities have been enhanced. Along with his pace and dribbling abilities, Boudebouz has a knack of picking out his teammates from a tight spot and is also a master of the set pieces.
Newcastle have played brilliantly this season but with Premier League being an altogether different ball game, Benitez will need a playmaker who can take the opponents by surprise.
Worth the money?
Newcastle’s midfield has looked flat at times which can be reignited by the flair of Ryan Boudebouz. The Ligue 1 has given us many world class players over the years like Dimitri Payet, Laurent Koscielny, Yohan Cabaye, N’Golo Kanté and Riyad Mahrez and Boudebouz can be the next player to thrill the supports in the Premier League.
Valued at under £10 million, the Algerian can be a dream signing for the Magpies in their bid to extend their stay in the first division.
