Newcastle United are in a three-way race to sign Real Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman, 29, has endured an injury-hit campaign with Real Betis, limiting him to just five starts in La Liga so far. He marked his return from injury last month with a goal in Betis’ 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid. And with his return, the rumours of his possible departure from Benito Villamarin in the next transfer window have become rife.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Newcastle United are planning to revive their interest in Nabil Fekir when the transfer market reopens in January. Aston Villa and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the Real Betis playmaker, the report adds.
Newcastle United’s interest in Fekir is not new as they tried to sign him in the past summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. Now that he is back from injury and closing in on full fitness ahead of the World Cup break, the Magpies have started keeping tabs on the Frenchman again.
Nabil Fekir to Newcastle United—The right option for the club?
Newcastle United have been on an upward trajectory since the arrival of Eddie Howe. Under the new ownership, they have recruited very well with Eddie Howe laying out a plan for both short and long-term gains.
The Magpies are now in the top four, and a series of exciting performances since the start of the campaign has projected them as possible contenders to qualify for the Champions League. To strengthen their hopes of bringing Champions League football to St. James’ Park next year, Howe wants to add a few more players to his squad. And Nabil Fekir is the latest player to be linked with a move to Newcastle.
A versatile player, Fekir can operate in a midfield three, in the no.10 role, wide right or as a false 9, and such flexibility to play in different positions could only benefit a manager and his squad. He is adept at finding pockets of spaces in behind the opposition, linking play and weaving his magic in the final third with the ball at his feet. The Frenchman can carry the ball with purpose and has a mean shot in his left foot.
The ex-Lyon star has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League. Nabil Fekir can add a different dimension to Howe’s Newcastle side whilst improving the depth of the squad. At 29, he is operating at the peak of his powers, and if the France international can maintain his fitness and keep himself injury free, he could become a smart signing for the Magpies.
However, Newcastle will certainly need to come up with a tantalising offer to tempt Real Betis into selling Nabil Fekir in January.
