Spanish club Valencia are reportedly keen on offloading Mouctar Diakhaby during the January transfer window, and Newcastle United should make a move for the defender.
The Magpies were among a few Premier League clubs who were heavily linked with the French defender, 24, over the summer, but did not lodge a bid. As a result, Newcastle United managed to make just one signing all summer—Joe Willock from Arsenal.
According to Spanish news outlet Deporte Valenciano, Valencia are open to selling Mouctar Diakhaby, preferably to the Premier League in an attempt to make more money, in the winter transfer window.
The report adds the LaLiga club wanted to get rid of the defender in the summer but the offers for him came very late, disallowing the Mestalla club to negotiate and, thereby, no move materialised.
Diakhaby has been a consistent performer for Valencia following his switch from Lyon in 2018. He has made 98 appearances so far for Los Che in all competitions, scoring four goals.
However, the former France under-21 international has fallen down the defensive pecking order under new manager Jose Bordalas and has managed only 16 minutes across four games of the new LaLiga campaign following the loan signing of Omar Alderete from Hertha BSC.
Why Newcastle United should reignite their interest in Mouctar Diakhaby
Newcastle United are still seeking their first win of the 2021/22 Premier League season having lost three and drawn one in their first four games. They were swept aside 4-1 by a strong Manchester United side at Old Trafford on Saturday that further demonstrated their lack of quality in various areas of the pitch.
Having conceded 12 goals in the first four games, it is clear to see where Steve Bruce and his coaching staff must work upon. In Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark, Newcastle lack quality in the centre-back department, even though they have the numbers.
To put things into perspective, Newcastle will need to cast their rods into the January transfer pond after a wretched start to the new season, and signing a new centre-back to add some much-needed stability to their backline would make complete sense. That being said, the Magpies must reignite their interest in Valencia defender Diakhaby.
Standing at 1.92m tall, Diakhaby is an authoritative, solid presence at the back with good aerial ability and a decent turn of pace through the ground. Due to his towering frame and aerial prowess, the Frenchman is an asset to have at both ends of the pitch. He has got decent European experience and possesses the required qualities to flourish in the fast-paced nature of Premier League football.
The former Lyon star would undoubtedly add quality to Newcastle’s defensive ranks while being an instant upgrade on the ageing Fernandez. At the age of 24, Diakhaby still has his best years ahead of him and could prove to be a smart addition to Bruce’s squad.
Considering their royal struggles at the back so far this season, Newcastle must look to pounce on Diakhaby when the transfer window reopens in January.
