Former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark has named Aliou Dieng as the perfect player for the club, urging them to make a summer move.
Cash-rich Newcastle United are expected to have a big summer window should they survive relegation at the end of the season. The Magpies are expected to be one of the top spenders in the next window, thanks to their new Saudi-backed owners.
They showed a glimpse of their financial muscle in the January window after spending upwards of £90 million. They have since stitched together a six-game unbeaten run, which has taken them out of the relegation zone for the time being.
One of the areas they would be looking to reinforce is central midfield – specifically bringing in a defence-minded player in the position. They are linked with a few names, and there is a firm belief that a top star will join them during the summer window.
They did sign Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon in January, although he is considered more in the attacking mould. Their current option is Jonjo Shelvey, who sometimes takes up the defensive position on the field, and the club are readying a contract extension for the former Liverpool and Swansea star.
Despite that, Newcastle are expected to bring in a proper defensive midfielder as they position themselves as top-six challengers in the Premier League. Former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark has suggested an unusual name for the defensive midfield position. In his comments to Shourouk News (h/t Sport Witness), the ex-player urged the club to sign Al Ahly’s Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng.
Clark said, “I admire the way Al-Ahly midfielder Aliou Dieng plays; he can play in Europe because he has special abilities. I recommend Dieng to wear the Newcastle shirt in the new season because he will be a good player in any team he joins and can play in the English Premier League.”
Dieng has been a key player on the Egyptian side since 2019. The 24-year-old has achieved considerable success in the FIFA Club World Cup and CAF Champions League with Al Ahly and has become one of the most well-known names in African football.
It is, however, quite doubtful whether Newcastle will act on Clark’s suggestions as the club are likely to move for a player plying his trade in Europe, with sufficient experience and pedigree in the top five leagues.
