One of the stand-out players thus far in Euro 2012 has been French right-back Mathieu Debuchy. It’s thought that Newcastle have been tracking the Frenchman for a matter of months and the Metro claim that he is ‘keen to join his friend Yohan Cabaye at St James’ Park’.
La Voix Du Nord also claim that the Magpies have put in a cheeky £4m bid, but his parent club, Lille, considered the offer miserly and are willing to fight to keep hold of him. That’s bad news for Newcastle as the 26-year-old is under contract until 2015, so Lille are in rather a privileged position when it comes to negotiations.
Lille’s chairman himself has said: “We are not sellers. We did not extend Mathieu’s contract last year just to get one more season from him. He is part of our plans.”
But every man has his price and the Ligue 1 side’s resolve is sure to be tested if the rumours of Chelsea’s interest have the ring of truth. Numerous sources have suggested that the Blues are keen to land Debuchy and they certainly have the money to make it happen.
Newcastle can’t compete with Chelsea in financial terms, but may represent a more attractive prospect in other ways. For a start there’s the Yohan Cabaye connection. The two are thought to be fast friends and I’m sure Cabaye will be full of complementary things to say about the club throughout their time on International duty.
Newcastle have made excellent links with French football over the last couple of seasons. Debuchy may well be attracted by the prospect of an English side that has looked to prove its ambition by snapping up the best French talent.
Mike Ashley has also proved willing to loosen the purse strings in order to secure a signing when a player looks promising enough. And Debuchy looks plenty promising. Though he’s a right-back by trade, he started his career as a deep-lying play-maker, so can spread the ball around with ease. He’s got a mean cross on him, loves to bomb forward and is also a real presence at the back.
Chelsea have Branislav Ivanovic at right-back and it’s not clear that signing Debuchy would be a big improvement. On the other hand, Debuchy would be able to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park. That’s why he should snub Chelsea and join the Magpies!
What’s your take? Is he the right man for the job at Newcastle?
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I think you mean Newcastle ‘won’t’ compete with chelsea’s level of debt, don’t you?
I’m sure Newcastle could get into just as much debt if they wanted too.
i think youwill find his long contract means as much as andy carolls