Newcastle line up move for Nabil Fekir

Newcastle United are reportedly weighing up the possibility of launching a summer move for Real Sociedad and France star Nabil Fekir.

According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are lining up a move to sign Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Fekir has been with Real Sociedad since 2019, when he arrived from Olympique Lyon and has since grown into a pivotal player for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. The 28-year-old has made 118 appearances for Los Verdiblancos, scoring 22 and assisting 23 goals. He was part of the team that won the Copa del Rey in the 2021/22 campaign.

Fekir signed a new contract with Real Betis in January earlier this year, extending his stay at the club until 2026. However, given the La Liga club’s difficult financial position and an exit could thus be on the cards, with Newcastle United hoping to capitalise on the situation.

Newcastle United have so far made shrewd investments in the market to sign Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman. More incomings are expected at St James’ Park as the Magpies’ new owners aim to build a team capable of qualifying for European football. A new striker and a wide attacker are said to be top priorities for Eddie Howe at the moment.

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However, Newcastle United are now considering a move for Fekir as a marquee addition to their roster. The 28-year-old, who won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, is capable of essaying multiple roles in the attacking third of the pitch even though he has been used as an attacking midfielder during his time at Betis.

Indeed, Fekir has played as a centre-forward and a secondary striker in the past while he can even be deployed out wide. A player with top-notch playmaking abilities and an eye for a goal, the French international can address Newcastle United’s problems in the final third and make them less reliant on the brilliance of Allan Saint-Maximin.

But, considering he still has four years left on his contract, Betis could demand a significant fee for Fekir. Although, with the deep pockets of their new owners, it should not pose much of a problem for Newcastle United. At the moment, though, the Tynesiders are focusing their attention on signing a new striker. So, it remains to be seen if they decide to swoop for Fekir before the transfer window closes.