Newcastle United’s bid for all-action Ligue 1 ace accepted: Good option for Bruce?

Newcastle United have made three signings so far ahead of the 2019-20 season, and could be closing in on the signing of Youssouf Sabaly, a right-back who plays for Bordeaux in Ligue 1.

French outlet Soccer Link have reported that the Magpies’ bid for Sabaly has been accepted, while Premier League rival Watford’s bid has also been accepted by Bordeaux.

Manager Steve Bruce is reportedly interested in signing the right-back who has had a good career with Bordeaux, having first signed on loan with them in 2016 before making his deal permanent the following year.

The French-born Senegal international came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, and had loan spells with several Ligue 1 sides before his switch to Bordeaux.

Sabaly has made 18 appearances for the Senegal national team since making his debut in 2017, and was a part of the squad that played in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 26-year-old played 31 times for Bordeaux last season, mustering three assists in all competitions.

Is Sabaly a good option for Steve Bruce?

Sabaly is a good right-back and had a promising season last time around for Bordeaux in Ligue 1.

The full-back likes to attack down the flanks, but is solid in defence too, thanks to his energy, work-rate, and strength. A quick passer of the ball and a good dribbler as well, Sabaly can be a good player for most mid-table sides in the Premier League, thanks to his quality with and without the ball.

The Senegal international is a good crosser of the ball, and shows the drive and energy to go ahead and put menacing crosses into the box. A good short passer, Sabaly averaged 43.2 passes per game and pass percentage of 81.2% per game last season. He made an average of two tackles per game, 1.5 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 last season.

Newcastle United have strengthened the left-back position with the signing of Jetro Willems, and the signing of Youssouf Sabaly would add quality to the right-back position.

Bruce has DeAndre Yedlin and Javier Manquillo as options at right-back, but Sabaly could possibly compete with Yedlin for the right-back slot as Manquillo was inconsistent last season.

Sabaly would be a good option for Bruce in defence and in attack, and will add strength to the Newcastle United squad.