Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed on the Talking Transfers podcast that Newcastle United are confident of landing Moussa Diaby.
The 22-year-old is said to have been on Newcastle’s ‘radar’ since January according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail and now a report from 90min has stated that Newcastle are ‘gearing up’ to break their transfer record to land the Bayern Leverkusen winger.
The same source suggests that the German outfit are reluctant to sell the eight-cap French ace but an offer north of £40m could be enough to persuade Die Werkself to part company.
Eddie Howe is said to be keen on bringing in a winger this window and Bailey has now revealed that the Magpies believe they have a chance of striking a deal for the former PSG prospect.
(5:27)” This guy is a really, really good player. Newcastle have done a bit of background work on this I’m told.
“They think they can get him out. Leverkusen have said they don’t want to sell because they are actually pushing on for the title. They think they can make a challenge next season.
“But yeah, I’ve been told a club-record deal. About 45 might do it, maybe have to push to 50. But Newcastle there’s a bit of confidence here in this one they think can do it.
“They’re progressing with this. This one will take off in the next couple of weeks but there’s confidence at St. Jamess’ that they can get him.”
TIF Thoughts on Diaby…
Should NUFC break the bank for Diaby this summer?
Yes
No
The Toon smashed their transfer record in 2019 when they brought Joelinton to the club from the Bundesliga for £40m and although he struggled before being rekindled under Howe, the Tyneside club would be signing a player perhaps more suited to the league in Diaby.
He enjoyed the season of his life last year scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances and was hailed as “unstoppable” for his blistering start to the campaign.
Predominantly used on the left-wing he has also featured heavily on the right and after reaching double figures for the first time in his career last season he would be a major asset in the north-east.
His style of play has been likened to that of Heung-Min Son, Mo Salah, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden (Fbref) and although he won’t be expected to reach the heights of that esteemed quartet his ranking among the top 9% of wingers in Europe for non-penalty goals per 90 and top 6% of assists per game highlight his potential.