Newcastle opinion: Should Newcastle make a move for Seko Fofana

Given the transfer budget and the team that he does have at his disposal at Newcastle United, Rafael Benitez has done a rather wonderful job. Last season, somehow, the Magpies managed to finish in the top half of the Premier League, but things haven’t gone their way this season.

They were sitting in the relegation zone for most of the last six months, and have finally managed to find their way out. With just two losses in their last six league games, the Magpies have managed to claw their way out of the relegation zone. But things will get worse next season and the club needs to add reinforcements.

Bringing in Miguel Almiron was a masterstroke and the former Atlanta United star has proven to be a big hit at St. James’ Park. However, the club will have to break their transfer record yet again or at least come close, if they are to have a chance of surviving next season. If nothing else, Benitez needs a new left-back, winger and a striker.

But while their midfield may look stacked, that’s miles away from the truth. Jonjo Shelvey (Daily Mail) and Isaac Hayden (Sky Sports) seem to be on their way out and Mohamed Diame looks a shadow of himself. Sung-yueng Ki started the season well, but injury troubles have affected him, with Sean Longstaff picking up an injury too.

That’s exactly why one of Newcastle United’s summer targets should be a midfielder and it should be Serie A star Seko Fofana. The 23-year-old has been a revelation this season, playing some of his best football for Udinese Calcio.

With the club losing youth star Jakub Jankto to Sampdoria, Fofana has stepped up and made the central midfield his very own. But that shouldn’t be a big surprise given that the Ivory Coast star has always been talented, showing that during his spell with Manchester City.

While he never made it past their youth squads, loan spells at Fulham and SC Bastia helped him hone his skills. However, what should entice the Magpies is the fact that Fofana is an all-action midfield star.

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He can hold his own in the middle of the park, thanks in part to a wonderful cocktail of offensive and defensive qualities. That combined with his stamina, urge to shoot from range (finding the target more often than not), aggression and tactical intelligence make him perfect for Newcastle United and Rafael Benitez’s tactics.

Conclusion

The former Liverpool boss likes a strong and all-around midfielder, which describes Seko Fofana perfectly. Given Fofana’s wide range of talents, it’s a no-brainer for Newcastle United to sign him in the summer.