OPINION
It looks like Newcastle midfielder Mo Diame is on his way out this summer after Rafa Benitez decided not to start him against Liverpool.
The Senegal international is two starts away from triggering an option that would see him stay at St James’ Park. However, the Shields Gazette reported that Benitez wouldn’t start him against Liverpool and that would mean him leaving in the summer. Diame didn’t start the game, that Newcastle lost 3-2, and his side have just one more game to play this season.
That started the Leeds fans speculating about Diame and the chatter went into overdrive when Martin Tyler said he had heard talk of Diame moving to Leeds in the summer during commentary of the game.
On the face of it, Diame wouldn’t seem like your typical Bielsa player. Bielsa has favoured younger players that he can develop to his style of play. Diame is hugely experienced and the 31-year-old has over 100 games for both Newcastle and West Ham. Leeds would also seem fairly well covered in his position, with Kalvin Phillips the standout and Adam Forhsaw more than capable of filling in. Leeds still don’t know which division they’re playing in next season, though, and they could easily lose players like Phillips if they stay in the Championship.
That’s far from the ideal scenario but Diame would be a solid Championship player, with one Leeds fan dubbing him a “monster”. The stumbling block could be wages. There wouldn’t be a fee as his contract runs out in the summer but he’s reportedly on £45k-a-week at Newcastle and he’d have to take a pretty substantial cut to come to Elland Road.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans to Diame:
Apparently Mo Diame is going to Leeds
— Will ??????? (@Iufcwill) May 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/TigerSteel8/status/1124786395984334849
Mo Diame, talk to me @PhilHayYEP Martin Tyler says he’s coming to Leeds?
— RetroLUFC (@RetroLUFC) May 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/THuff1994/status/1124764713840197633
Jonjo shelvey too. Apparently shelvey would be the same deal to what rondon and Gayle is with Phillips going the other way if we don’t go up #LUFC #YorkshirePirlo
— Luke (@Townend1919) May 4, 2019
He’d be a decent signing
— thomas banks (@ThomasBanks1985) May 4, 2019
He is a monster in the middle. We won't be surelly. Good player imo.
— jayjay82? (@jwh1982) May 4, 2019