Transfer Story
Rafa Benitez apparently seems to be in for the long haul with Newcastle United, meticulously trying to bolster and build the club the or present as well as the future. Recent transfer rumours state that the Spaniard is apparently prepared to launch a bid for the young Metz winger Ismaila Sarr.
The 19-year old burst into the limelight after having a more than successful stint with Metz in the recently concluded Ligue 1 season. Showing glimpse and traits to become a top player in the coming years, the winger has apparently caught Rafa’s attention who is said to be willing to bring the Senegalese at St. James Park.
Ismaila is contract-bound at Metz till 2021 and with 4 years remaining on the youngster’s contract, it would take a little more than just persuasion to land the young lad on the shores of England, which is why the Magpies are ready to make a bid of £10.5m to prise away the player.
Player stats
Although only 19-years old, the player has already made 20 first team starts in his total of 31 appearances for the Metz, an impressive feat no doubt considering his age.
The player has also scored 5 goals and provided an assist for Metz last season.
Although showing sparks of flair and flamboyance in his playing style and technique, the player needs to develop his passing skills, ball control and link-up play in attack. But to be fair on the teenager it is only natural for a youngster of his age to have these problems. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he bring to the club?
Although far from being a finished product. The Senegalese has shown the will, desire and potential in him to strive in the top leagues. His stint on the right wing with Metz did show that he has the speed and physicality to take on and ward off defenders, but his finishing in the final third has not been up to the mark nor has been his ball control leading many times to gift possession to the opposition.
The drawbacks of the player could be sorted out under the able guidance and direction of Rafa Benitez who has transformed many young talents into famous footballing personalities. If properly utilised and deployed, the youngster could be a sensation and a long-term prospect at St. James Park providing quality on the flank.
Worth the money?
Valued at £10.5m it might be considered slightly risky but it would be one that Rafa could take, eyeing the future and the prospect that he could derive and extract from the individual.
Although the Premier League is tough when it comes to accepting foreign talents as we have seen from the likes of Kagawa (at Man Utd), Soldado (at Spurs), Slimani (at Leicester) and many more who had endured rough starts to their careers in the English shores, there have been many exceptions also have done well.
