Newcastle United’s potential signing of Real Betis and France attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir would “definitely excite” Magpies fans.
That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest at St. James’ Park, heading into the final few weeks of the transfer window.
According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness) Eddie Howe’s side were thought to be looking at a move for the 29-year-old this summer.
Since that report from July, a move for the 25-time France international has gone quiet, with the club having been linked with Leicester City’s James Maddison in recent weeks for that attacking midfield spot.
But O’Rourke believes that if the club were to secure the signing of Fekir, who has previously been described as a player with “tremendous quality” by Betis president Angel Haro, the player could add goals and assists to Howe’s side this season.
“Fekir is a top player, has been for a number of years now.
“We all know he came so close to joining Liverpool a few seasons back, before the deal collapsed at the 11th hour, but he’s gone to Real Betis and really impressed over in Spain as well.
“He’s a classy player, a real playmaker who can score goals, assist goals and somebody who would definitely excite the Newcastle fans.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that Newcastle fans will agree with O’Rourke’s comments, in the sense that they would be very excited if he was plying his trade at St. James’ Park come the end of the transfer window.
The progressive midfielder has scored 22 goals and provided 23 assists in 118 appearances at Real Betis since joining the club in 2019, according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that he provides a decent goal output from midfield.
Therefore, we believe that Newcastle should be making a move on Fekir, as his presence at the front of a midfield three including Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, could potentially take Howe’s side to the next level.