Marseille midfielder Kevin Strootman has revealed that the French club wants to get rid him in the transfer window after just one season at the club.
“We didn’t get European football, while at Marseille they went out for the Champions League. So the president said in an open and fair conversation: ‘You are an expensive force and without the Champions League it’s difficult for us’. They want to get rid of me, is the message. But I signed a five-year contract last summer and Marseille have paid a big transfer fee to Roma, so it’s not like clubs can take me for a very low price,” said the Dutch midfielder on his future.
Marseille finished 5th in Ligue 1, outside of a Champions League place, which has resulted in Strootman being put on sale. The Dutchman joined from Roma for €25 million and signed a five-year contract with Marseille. Strootman played in 34 games for Marseille in all competitions, scoring once and registering five assists.
With Strootman set to leave Marseille, which 3 clubs in the Premier League could buy him? Let’s take a look at 3 potential destinations for Kevin Strootman:
Manchester United
Manchester United have been linked with Strootman for quite a few years, especially during Louis van Gaal’s spell as the manager of the club, and now those rumours have resurfaced. Strootman is a player who can play the Ander Herrera role at United after the Spaniard’s departure from Old Trafford. A good passer of the ball with the ability to win back possession, Strootman could strengthen the midfield area and help Paul Pogba to flourish, while also giving manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more options.
Everton
Everton manager Marco Silva will look to build on his first year in charge of the club and compete for European places, and will certainly dip his hands in the transfer market. A combative player like Strootman could galvanise the team, and signing him will be even more important if Everton lose their star midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who has been pursued by Paris Saint-Germain once again.
Newcastle United
It is widely expected that Newcastle United will have a much bigger transfer kitty after their new owners officially take control of the club. The Magpies have several options in midfield, with the likes of Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yueng, but none of them is at the level that Strootman is on, while there could be some departures in midfield too. Signing Strootman would be a big coup for Newcastle and their new owners, which would send a signal to other clubs in the Premier League that they are willing to splash the cash and compete in the transfer market with the big boys.
