Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga’s proposed move to Newcastle United has fallen through after the Mali international failed a medical with the club.
The 24 year-old was all set to finally complete his long-awaited move to Tyneside from Sochaux after the clubs agreed a fee of around £6 million, but the results of his medical proved unsatisfactory and he will not be joining Alan Pardew’s side in January.
Newcastle have been long-term admirers of Maiga and they were very keen to sign the 24 year-old in the summer but the move failed to materialised before the close of the transfer window. Maiga was so desperate to join Newcastle he told Sochaux he had no intention of ever playing for them again, as he was extremely keen to make the move to England.
Maiga’s agent, Karim Aklil, expressed his disappointment at the collapse of the deal. He said:
“I am disappointed by the turn of events. Modibo is in perfect physical condition and this was confirmed by specialists.”
“I am surprised by what has happened since his medical and the diagnosis established by doctors authorised by the club. I am convinced that the future will give us a reason and that Modibo will prove his effectiveness.”
“He remains one of the best strikers in France.”
“I am mentally fine, I wanted that move to Newcastle badly, however, it did not happen as they said my knee has a problem – but I feel better than anything.“There is a player at Newcastle now [Demba Ba], he was told at a Premier League medical that he had a knee problem, he then went to another and started scoring goals before his move to Newcastle.“But I am strong in my head and up for it, I like Sochaux, but I am having a difficult time with the fans, they do not understand me.I love the Premier League and I want to play there, hopefully I will have another chance, my health is very good and my knees are.”
