AS Monaco have reportedly rejected a €40 million-plus bid from Newcastle United for French defensive prodigy Benoit Badiashile.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santo Aouna on Twitter, Premier League club Newcastle United have been knocked back with a €40 million bid to sign AS Monaco sensation Benoit Badiashile.
The Frenchman is one of the best young defenders in the game and continues to enhance his reputation at the Stade Louis II. He joined the Ligue 1 giants in 2016 and has since made 105 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting thrice more.
A physically dominant centre back, Badiashile is a force to be reckoned with in the air and is also technically adept with the ball at his feet. Still just 20, the youngster has the best years of his career ahead of him and could develop into one of the finest in the world in his position.
Newcastle, for their part, are struggling to make a mark in the Premier League this season and are battling relegation. One of the key weaknesses in Eddie Howe’s side is the inability to keep clean sheets. This Saturday, the same was on display when the Magpies threw away a one-goal lead to relegation rivals Watford. This cost them the chance to move out of the bottom three.
Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar have flattered to deceive this season and have proven incapable of anchoring the Magpies’ rearguard. A defender is on the agenda, given that Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Lille star Sven Botman. With the club’s chairman ruling out a move for the Dutchman, Newcastle now have to look elsewhere.
In Badiashile, they have an excellent alternative. Not only can the French prodigy do a job for them off the bat, he can also become a lynchpin for the side in the years to come. The youngster is currently injured and will be out of action for 2-3 weeks. That has not dissuaded the Magpies from making their move.
The Tyneside giants have had a €40 million plus bid turned down by Monaco. Whether the English club will return with a bigger bid or shift their focus elsewhere remains to be seen. With just a fortnight to go before the transfer window closes, Newcastle have to act fast.
Badiashile is also a threat at the other end and can chip in with goals from set-pieces. This will be a sweetener for the Magpies, who are also struggling to find the back of the net consistently this season. Should Newcastle get their man, Badiashile is certainly someone who could change the club’s fortunes for the better. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.
