Why Newcastle United would be wise to sign Stephane Diarra
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United scouts are tracking 20-year-old winger Stéphane Diarra.
Diarra has been making waves over in France and is one of the most exciting prospects outside of the top division. The 21-year-old was loaned to Le Mans last season and made his move permanent earlier this year. He has been in top form this season, notching up three goals and two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.
The Ivorian wide man possesses great pace and trickery and it’s no great surprise that he’s attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.
Having released Mo Diame in the summer and failing to bring in a replacement, the Newcastle boss should strengthen his options in the middle of the park in January.
Newcastle struggled in the early stages of the season but have now consolidated their position in the table. They managed to get the better of Tottenham in late August but suffered a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Leicester. But the Steve Bruce-managed side shocked Manchester United 1-0 and also held champions Manchester City to a 2-2 draw at home. The Magpies have been reliant on Joelinton and Miguel Almiron this season after the summer overhaul.
After the saga of Rafael Benitez, who decided to leave St. James Park, Newcastle also lost the services of star striker Salomon Rondon, who decided to reunite with former boss Benitez at Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang. What followed was a major setback for the club as Ayoze Perez left Newcastle to join Leicester City.
Newcastle signed Joelinton on a club-record fee and managed to get in Jetro Willems and Allan Saint-Maximin but they have failed to shore up the central midfield region. Jonjo Shelvey has been brilliant for the Magpies of late but they lack a midfield enforcer.
Steve Bruce generally sets up the team to defend deep and play on the counter. Newcastle’s best plays have usually come on the counter-attack. With lightning-quick wingers and a poacher-striker in Joelinton, they have managed to stun the opposition on counter-attacks.
Diarra has been in exceptional form this season and has averaged 1 tackle and 0.8 interceptions per game to go with 1.2 shots per 90 minutes. [Courtesy: Sofascore]
Off late, Newcastle have invested in youngsters and reaped rewards. Diarra might not be the proven goal-scorer they need but by signing him, they will bag one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
