Why Benoit Badiashile must reject Chelsea to join Newcastle United
According to a report by Le10Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea are eyeing a summer move to sign AS Monaco starlet Benoit Badiashile.
The Chronicle has further reported that Newcastle United are also keen on bringing the 18-year-old to the Premier League in the near future.
While both English clubs are dealing with their own set of problems in the ongoing campaign, the teenage defender is certainly an exciting prospect. And with that in mind, let’s take a look as to which club would be ideal for Badiashile.
Chelsea
Although Chelsea are facing a two-window transfer ban, they are hoping to tie up a deal at the end of the season, as per Daily Mail. And if they are able to sign the Ligue 1 starlet, manager Frank Lampard would have a gem of a player at his disposal.
Chelsea have struggled since David Luiz’s departure to Arsenal and their centre-back unit could do with some reinforcements. Currently placed 4th in the standings, the Londoners have shipped out a whopping 19 goals in 13 league games so far. To make matters worse, they have the worst defensive record among the top-five clubs.
While Badiashile is unlikely to find his way in the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge from the get-go, Lampard’s willingness to provide chances to younger players is well-documented.
Newcastle United
Placed quite far beneath Chelsea in the standings, Newcastle United are also in the race to sign the talented centre-back, according to The Chronicle. Considering his potential – and the fact that Chelsea are keeping tabs on him – signing Badiashile would be quite a statement of intent.
In addition, as far as breaking into the first-team picture is concerned, Badishile would have a better chance of doing that at Newcastle. With the Longstaff brothers turning heads in recent times, the Magpies do have a reputation for providing opportunities to younger players.
Verdict
Everything said and done, Badiashile is a prodigious talent and where he moves next would go a long way in determining the rest of his career. He needs to be assured of adequate game time wherever he goes and he would have a better chance of doing so at Newcastle.
Although Lampard is integrating younger players into the team, a move to a club as celebrated as Chelsea could throw a lot of unwanted attention on the youngster, thus hindering his progress and development. Thus, given a choice, Badiashile would be better off moving to St. James Park.
