It’s that time again – Moussa Sissoko has jetted off on national duty and has, once again, talked up a move away from Newcastle to a bigger club.
In a recent interview with Foot Mercato, Sissoko’s agent revealed Newcastle had prevented the Frenchman from leaving in the summer, despite a previous agreement, before hinting that next summer may be the time Sissoko eventually departs.
“They wanted to keep him for another year,” his agent said. “Then, with next year being the Euros, it will also be the time to make a decision. The club had offered him the right to leave, but they changed their tune during the transfer window.”
The key phrase there being ‘for another year’ – hinting that an exit may be likely next summer, after the Euros. Clubs, such as Liverpool and Manchester City, have been accredited with an interest in Sissoko, who’s believed to be available for £17million.
Should the Frenchman depart next summer, here’s who I believe Newcastle should consider signing to replace him. [Note: This has taken into consideration that he will now be playing as a right winger under McClaren, rather than through the middle.]
Luciano Narsingh
Reuniting the pacey wingman with Georginio Wijnaldum seems like a sensible decision, especially when considering their record last season – Luciano Narsingh to Gini Wijnaldum was the second most common combination in the Eredivisie (behind Jetro Willems to ex-Newcastle loanee Luuk de Jong). Newcastle have been accredited with an interest in Narsingh in the past as well as Ajax and Fulham, during his time at Heerenveen, with Graham Carr said to be a keen admirer of the Dutchman.
The 24-year-old is blessed with pace in abundance and is a brilliant crosser of the ball. While his goalscoring record isn’t the greatest (33 goals in 170 appearances), Narsingh was the Eredivisie’s third highest assister last season, with 10, and possesses all the attributes to cut it in the Premier League.
Dennis Praet
Having raided Anderlecht twice already this year, Newcastle – and more specifically their scouting team – will be familiar with the Belgian outfit and have probably already penciled Praet’s name on their short-list of potential targets.
Praet’s natural position is behind the striker, but he is fully capable of playing on the right. While he doesn’t boast the pace of Narsingh, Dennis is an excellent dribbler – this combined with his confidence on the ball would make him deadly in the Premier League. He also possesses a great footballing mind and can pick out incisive passes in Ozil-esque fashion.
The Belgian wonderkid, valued at £10million, was linked with a Premier League move this summer, with Aston Villa, Everton and Southampton reportedly interested, but it didn’t materialise. Instead, the 21-year-old will remain in Belgium for another year to blossom.
Álvaro Vadillo
Álvaro, dubbed the ‘new Ronaldo’, recently transferred from Real Betis to Rayo Vallecano and penned a three-year deal, though the Seville-based club have a repurchase option which allows them to repurchase Vadillo next summer for €2million.
Prior to joining Vallecano, Liverpool and Tottenham were said to be competing for his signature in a deal worth £8million, though a deal did not materialise. The Premier League duo may have been deterred by Vadillo’s cruciate ligament injury which left him sidelined for the majority of last season.
Much-like Narsingh, Vadillo is a tricky, energetic winger who boasts a great deal of pace – a desired attribute for the modern day winger. Provided he fully recovers from last season’s injury, Vadillo has all the traits to become a star in the future.
Andrija Zivkovic
Zivkovic is only 19-years-old but has already broken multiple records and made over 75 appearances for Partizan. In 2013, he became the youngest player to ever represent the Serbian national side, aged 17 years and 2 months. Five months later, he became Partizan’s youngest captain of all time.
The impressive Serb has already attracted interest from Chelsea and has already been dubbed the ‘new Messi’. While it may be a little premature comparing him to the World’s greatest, you cannot deny Andrija’s talent. Zivkovic has already netted four and assisted five times this season, in just 11 appearances. A goalscoring winger with an eye for a pass – exactly what you want from a wide player.
Plus he looks great in black and white.
Andre Hahn
Hahn currently plies his trade in his home country for Borussia Monchengladbach and has already represented the German national team. The 24-year-old can play on the right, behind the striker or upfront, making him an attractive proposition to Newcastle – who do love a good versatile player, such as first teamers Vurnon Anita and Chancel Mbemba.
He suffered Achilles tendon problems last season and missed the first two games of this season through injury, which has seen him lose his spot in the first-team to Thorgan Hazard (brother of Eden) and Patrick Herrmann.
A young versatile player, with a questionable injury record, who has fallen down the pecking order at his current club and could be bought cheaply – Hahn and Newcastle sounds like a match made in heaven!
