Soccer Football - Europa League - Round of 16 First Leg - Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen - Stadio Atleti Azzurri, Bergamo, Italy - March 10, 2022 Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered a positive verdict on the prospect of Newcastle United signing Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer.
The lowdown: Magpies linked
Recently, a report from the Daily Mail claimed that the Magpies are lining up a sensational £50million swoop for Diaby as Eddie Howe prepares for a busy transfer market.
A product of the youth setup at Paris Saint-Germain, the five-cap France international has directly contributed to a stunning 72 goals in 124 outings for Leverkusen since arriving in 2019.
That form makes the talented 22-year-old a highly sought after prospect and one informed onlooker has had his say on what the move would say for Newcastle under their new owners…
The latest: Jones on Diaby
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones was excited by the prospect of the Frenchman pitching up at St James’ Park and what it could mean moving forwards.
He said: “I think for Newcastle fans, this is the sort of signing that would really get you off your seats from the first game of next season.
“So, this is the kind of statement I think Newcastle fans would like to see them make.”
The verdict: Star signing
Fresh off the back of a stellar 2021/22 campaign containing 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances whilst completing an eye-catching 1.8 dribbles per Bundesliga game, Diaby would undoubtedly be a sensational capture for the Toon this summer.
Equally influential on either wing, the youngster, who was recently dubbed an ‘absolute stud’ and a ‘brilliant talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy, shares a close stylistic likeness with Premier League superstars such as Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling and Son Heung-min (Fbref).
Valued at a lofty £49.5million and under contract in Germany until 2025 (Transfermarkt), this capture would likely shatter the £39.6million record expenditure in the North East shelled out on Joelinton.
In other news: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson…
About the Author
