Newcastle United could now reportedly sign Boubacar Kamara before the summer transfer window ends.
The Lowdown: Successful season
Kamara enjoyed a successful 2020/21 season with Marseille, as he helped them reach fifth place in the Ligue 1 table and thus achieving qualification for the UEFA Europa League in the process.
The supremely versatile midfielder played in 35 games in total in the division, winning no fewer than 6.9 of his duels per match as well as averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and one interception per game (Sofascore).
The Latest: Kamara update
As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Kamara would not mind changing teams before the window shuts, and Marseille have had 'good discussions' with the St. James' Park faithful.
However, they have only made an offer of around €14m (£11.9m), which is a long way from the €40m (£33.9m) price being quoted.
That approach was rejected by the president of Marseille Pablo Longoria, who is also in talks with Sevilla about Kamara, and is 'more inclined' to accept an offer from them instead.
The Verdict: Avoid
While Kamara is clearly a very good player - he was even once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by his former teammate Rolando back in May 2020 - £33.9m is simply way too much money for the North East club to spend on one player at this moment in time, with the Magpies in limbo waiting for takeover developments.
They already have quite a lot of cover in the centre of midfield with the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Jeff Hendrick, Sean and Matty Longstaff and what looks to be the likely arrival of Joe Willock from Arsenal.
Thus, with any money they have free in the bank, they should be using it to strengthen in other areas of the pitch, such as finding an out-and-out centre-back.