Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona outcast Franck Kessie to bolster their midfield unit.
Franck Kessie has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona and is linked with a January exit. A report by Daily Mail has claimed that Newcastle United are looking to add more depth through their midfield. And they are prepared to make a move for the 26-year-old midfielder.
Jonjo Shelvey is currently sidelined with an injury, and Bruno Guimaraes remains the only reliable midfield option for Eddie Howe. Kessie could be a solid acquisition for Newcastle, and he will add presence and defensive cover in the middle of the park.
Newcastle are fighting for a place in the top four and will be determined to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the next season. The Magpies will need to add more quality and depth to their squad to secure European qualification. And Kessie could be an inexpensive acquisition for them.
Barcelona signed the 26-year-old on a free transfer. So it is fair to assume that they could let him leave for a reasonable price this month. The Catalan giants are going through financial difficulties. And the opportunity to offload a fringe player could be a tempting proposition for them.
But recent reports have suggested that Barcelona do not want to part ways with the 26-year-old. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen when Newcastle decide to follow up on their interest with a concrete offer for the Ivorian in the next few days.
Kessie has the physical attributes to succeed in English football and could make an immediate impact at Newcastle. The former AC Milan midfielder seems like the ideal partner for Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of Newcastle’s midfield. Furthermore, his defensive ability will allow the Brazilian international to operate with more freedom as well.
Kessie has been linked with a move to the Premier League for months now. And he was reportedly on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur last month. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies can get a deal done this month. The Magpies have an ambitious project, and Kessie could be attracted to the idea of playing for them. Also, they have the resources to offer him a lucrative contract.
