Newcastle United’s move for Aladji Bamba underlines a marked shift in transfer strategy for the Magpies.
It is actually onerous to think about the membership spending £55m on a 29-year-old once more like they did once they signed ahead Yoane Wissa from Brentford final summer season.
Instead, Newcastle have focused gamers aged 20 and underneath on the continent this time round.
Bamba, like Sean Steur, Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, will want time to adapt to the physicality and depth of the Premier League – and it’s value stressing the 20-year-old Frenchman has made solely 12 aggressive begins for Monaco.
But Newcastle should take calculated dangers this summer season earlier than such abilities develop into doubtlessly out of attain.
Just like Newcastle’s £23m transfer for Steur, negotiations have been carried out discreetly by all events concerned. News that an settlement had been reached arrived solely when Bamba was on his technique to Tyneside.
Further reinforcements are wanted, however Newcastle are set to finish their fourth signing of the summer season.
By distinction, at this stage of a very turbulent window a yr in the past, the membership had introduced in solely Anthony Elanga.
Despite the approaching new midfield signing, one fan, Dave, advised BBC Radio Newcastle he’s pissed off by a perceived lack of incoming transfers at St James’ Park, arguing that’s it the defence and goalkeeping division that make him “concerned about next season”.
Watch the clip beneath for extra of the chat on BBC Radio Newcastle…
