Why Newcastle United should sign Bouna Sarr in the summer
According to L’Equipe (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in signing Marseille defender Bouna Sarr in the upcoming transfer window.
Sarr, 28, spent time at the academies of FC Gerland and Lyon before joining Metz’s youth system in 2009. He then went on to make 109 appearances for Metz, scoring 8 goals and providing 9 assists before joining Marseille in the summer of 2015.
Since his arrival in Orange Velodrome, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself as a key player for the French outfit. His impressive performances have caught the attention of several clubs across Europe. And Premier League teams like Arsenal and Southampton are also interested in securing his services, as per the report.
Sarr could provide Newcastle with a quality option on the right flank
At the moment, Newcastle United have three right-backs in their ranks. Javier Manquillo has featured in 20 league games this season and has contributed with just 1 assist. In the same way, DeAndre Yedlin and Emil Krafth have also contributed with just 1 goal and 1 assist between them, featuring in lesser games than the Spaniard. Thus, it is clear that none of them has fixed the spot for themselves.
Moreover, USA international Yedlin, who has just one year left on his contract with the club, looks likely to move away from St. James’ Park. And if he leaves, the Magpies’ numbers at right-back would be reduced. The other two have also been unable to establish themselves as the first-choice under Bruce. Thus, signing a right-back is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Sarr would be a wise decision by the club. The Frenchman has been in good nick in the last few years and has been ever-present for Marseille. This term, he featured in 27 Ligue 1 games, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists in the process.
Though his numbers may not be among the best, he could definitely provide Bruce with an extra option to choose from as he is a versatile player and is capable of playing in any position on the right flank.
His inclusion to the squad would definitely add some-munch needed depth, whilst also bringing in healthy competition to Krafth and Manquillo. The Frenchman has been consistent in the last few years and could be a useful player for the Magpies if he is able to replicate the same form.
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Verdict
With a lack of quality from the current bunch of right-backs, it would be wise of the Tynesiders to bring in a right-back. And Sarr is capable of delivering the goods in much-needed situations. At 28, he has a few more years to play at the highest level and Newcastle should manage to get the best out of him by bringing him to St. James’ Park.
