Premier League side Newcastle United are apparently plotting an audacious move for Toulouse’s goalkeeping starlet Alban Lafont, as per reports from French media.
The Magpies have struggled to make a perfect comeback to the Premier League this season, currently struggling in the wrong end of the table. And should they fail to gather enough points in the upcoming games, they could run the risk of being dragged into the relegation scrap as we head into the final phase of the season.
Goalkeeping department has always been a problem for Newcastle in recent years. The departure of Dutch International Tim Krul has proved to be a detrimental move on Newcastle’s park with the likes of Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow failing to emerge as a standout keeper.
Although Martin Dubravka, who arrived from Sparta Praha on loan, in the January transfer window, has already mesmerized the Premier League with his impressive performances, the Magpies might still be needing someone who can prove to be a reliable long-term option in the goalkeeping department and that’s where Alban Lafont comes into the fray.
The French keeper has been one of the rising stars of Ligue 1 this season, keeping ten clean sheets in 29 games so far. The 19-year-old wonderkid is already regarded as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe, thanks to his blistering performances in the French top flight.
Newcastle have been guilty of lacking ambition in recent seasons and therefore, the addition of this highly rated goalkeeper would definitely raise some eyebrows at the Tyneside. But more importantly, however, Lafont has the quality to further solidify the already impressive Newcastle defence, marshalled by Jamaal Lascelles.
Despite his young age, Alban Lafont has emerged as a real specimen in the Toulouse’s defensive department this season. His presence in between the sticks has helped Les Pitchouns to somehow stay in the top flight for the past few seasons but with the Violets struggling to keep up with their rivals this campaign, Lafont might be up for a big money switch this summer.
Therefore, it could be a perfect opportunity for Newcastle United to secure the services of a player, whose value can take a significant boost within the coming years. It would definitely be interesting to how Lafont’s transfer saga takes shape in this upcoming summer transfer window.