Newcastle United are keen on strengthening their midfield and have been linked with young French midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko, who currently plays for Strasbourg.
The 22-year-old moved to his current side from Stade Brest last season, and has gone on to become a key player for Strasbourg.
Sky Sports are reporting that Newcastle are holding talks with the French club to sign Sissoko in January, for a fee of around £10.5 million.
After a poor start to the season, Newcastle United have stepped up their performances, but they are still just one point clear of the relegation zone.
The Magpies need to strengthen in January if they want to stay in the Premier League, and are looking towards Sissoko to help them in their fight for relegation.
Let’s learn a little more about Ibrahima Sissoko…
Strengths
Sissoko is a defensive midfielder who is quick and strong, and is a natural athlete. The Frenchman is quick off the blocks which helps him make key interceptions, and even drive forward with the ball.
A player who is good with the ball on his feet, Sissoko uses his pace and quick feet to get around opposition players.
The 22-year-old moves from one box to another quickly, and has great stamina to keep going. His 6’4″ frame allows him to be strong in the air and win balls in midfield and be a threat from set-pieces.
Sissoko has good positional sense in his defensive midfield role, closing down opposition attackers and dispossessing the ball off them with ease.
Weaknesses
Sissoko’s biggest weakness is that he is not a good passer of the ball. While he completes a lot of his passes, he doesn’t pass the ball enough from midfield.
He also concedes a lot of fouls, averaging 1.9 fouls per game this season in the Ligue 1.
Verdict
Newcastle United have a few options in midfield, but most of them have been poor or not good enough to help the Magpies stave off relegation.
The Longstaff brothers, Sean and Matty, have been a breath of fresh air in midfield, but Newcastle need a bruiser in midfield who can do the dirty work.
Sissoko could very well be that player who sits deep in midfield, breaks play, and then moves ahead quickly with the ball.
