As links to the French wide play-maker intensify, we look further into the type of player we may be soon to acquire.
At only 22 years of age, Moussa Diaby is one of the most exciting and talked about attacking players to breakthrough in the Bundesliga over the past couple of seasons. The pacy winger can play off either side, although looks to be more of a threat on the left when on his stronger foot. He is well known for his electric pace and trickery however he also boasts fantastic composure and quality in the final third ,being particularly strong when crossing and shooting from in and around the box. Last season was far and away his best yet, scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.
The Frenchman started his career in the PSG Youth ranks, signing for them when he was just 13. At 18, he had a short and rather unsuccesful loan spell at Serie A side Crotone, where he only managed 2 appearances without registering any goals or assists. However on his arrival back to France, Diaby did go on to break into the PSG first team, making 34 appearances and registering 4 goals overall. This wasn't enough to convince the French giants he had a future there and in 2019, it was announced that Diaby would join Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal.
It's in Germany where Diaby has really introduced himself to world football. This may be linked to finally getting the game time he needed to develop. He scored on his first competitive start for the club and has never looked back, improving his output season by season. In fact he impressed so much that on 26th August 2021, Diaby got his first senior France call up, making his debut as a late substitute in a world cup qualifying match.
Worth the Punt?
From what we know of the player, he seems to be the ideal fit for this current Newcastle squad. We need more quality on the wings, especially in terms of final product where Maxi and co are known to be inconsistent, and Diaby brings that in abundance. It is reported that Leverkusen want in excess of 50 million pounds for the player and he is keen on a move to the Premier League. On the surface, that is a hefty price tag for a player who has really only had one overly impressive season thus far, however the player is now a French international and can only get better due to him still being at such a young age.
Bar Bruno, the new ownership haven't yet splashed on big money transfers and have been instead very sensible in approach. Although the player has undeniable quality there is always a chance of flopping when arriving in the Premier League from abroad for big money. Do we take the big risk in the hope for big rewards, or should Dan Ashworth and the board instead divert their attention onto other targets?
Let us know your thoughts on if this deal represents value for money, and if not, who else should Newcastle be taking a look at on the wing?
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