Rijo Sam Daniel
Newcastle United target Moussa Diaby amidst tentative Manchester United transfer links
According to ChronicleLive, Newcastle United have identified Moussa Diaby as a potential target amidst tentative links to Manchester United for a transfer. He is one of the many highly-rated talents like Christopher Nkunku who have come through the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy.
Man United would naturally be desperate for reinforcements in the frontline this summer, considering how they are in line to be subjected to a mass exodus. That has left them quite thin on the right-wing, with Erik ten Hag being in line to take over from the next season onwards. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga have plied their trade in that position, but they are more suited to other roles.
Jadon Sancho is in a similar boat as his best performances have come on the left-hand side of the attack. Diaby, who has been linked timidly to the Red Devils, would be a great option in such a case as he is more than capable of playing equally well on both wings. However, Newcastle would pose trouble for them, having expressed their interest in signing him.
Should Man Utd solidify their interest?
It is quite surprising to see the Manchester side not actively being linked with a move for Diaby. After all, they would seriously be left short-handed past this summer, considering how Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, who could play in that role, could be departing for free after the current campaign.
Furthermore, Mason Greenwood would also be unavailable due to his indefinite suspension. In such a case, one could argue that Diaby should be targeted heavily in the summer transfer window. Perhaps our timid interest could be down to his likely valuation exceeding £60million in total.
Paying that sum would massively dent our transfer budget, which may not be best as we are desperate to facilitate a rebuild under ten Hag this summer. Furthermore, Bayer Leverkusen do not want to sell Diaby either, having qualified for next term’s Champions League.
However, the Magpies’ entry would be a blow regardless of our plans, as we would have more obstacles to deal with in case of a change in the current stance moving forward. Those who have watched him play would know all about his lightning pace and dribbling skills- something ten Hag can use on the flanks when he takes charge this summer.
The 22-year-old has been splendid throughout this season for Leverkusen scoring 17 goals and assisting 14 times from 42 games across all competitions. What’s impressive is that he has not attained his full potential just yet, so one could say that we should do our best before his demand increases in the future.
More Manchester United News
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- Manchester United set to make fresh transfer attempt to sign Wolves star Ruben Neves
Then again, if the German club would remain stern in their stance, we would not have much leeway to work with, especially when the Bundesliga ace is also contracted with them for a long time. It remains to be seen if there will be any change in this situation when the transfer window is underway.
