A lot of Newcastle United fans have responded to Keith Downie’s Twitter post.
The Sky Sports reporter claims that Newcastle are paying all of Nabil Bentaleb’s wages and a loan fee of £850,000 with an option to buy for £8.5m – no obligation (as per Sky Germany).
Who should start for Newcastle?
Shelvey
Bentaleb
This has received a good reaction from some Newcastle fans who are excited to see what Bentaleb can do.
Nabil Bentaleb’s loan deal will cost Newcastle £850,000. We understand they’ll pay all his wages for the duration of his loan spell from Schalke. Sky Germany telling us there’s an option to buy for £8.5m #NUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 21, 2020
Great signing, but why are we signing and paying for a player when we don’t need someone in that position. Surely the funds should be going elsewhere? (Left back, winger, striker).
— Chris Brown (@cbrown257) January 21, 2020
Absolute bargain that keef. Any other news? Bowen/lazaro?
— Matthaus (@GeordieDubravka) January 21, 2020
Great signing for us with lots to prove. ?
— DiscoDan (@DiscoDan18) January 21, 2020
If as good as his stats say then 8.5million is a stell, but let see
— GordieMagpie52 (@geordiemagpie52) January 21, 2020
Huge bit of buisness if figures are accurate! Well played charnley
mdash; Andrew (@Chadwick_10) January 21, 2020
Could be a bargain
— Matthew | LISTEN TO PAST LIVES| (@MattyFenwickATC) January 21, 2020
What do we think?
The 25-year-old, who is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, has lost his way this season, only making two appearances, but in the previous two years for FC Schalke, he managed to score 19 goals and provide nine assists.
Bentaleb is also a physical presence who could help the Toon dominate games. Jonjo Shelvey has superb technique, but he lacks mobility, and Bentaleb could provide that.
This could be a low-risk deal for Newcastle, and if Bentaleb can make a difference, then it could prove to be a very shrewd piece of business.
The Toon are expected to announce the signing of the Algerian international imminently.