Why Newcastle United should go for Youssouf Sabaly in January

According to a report from the Watford Observer, Newcastle United had a bid accepted for Bordeaux full-back Youssouf Sabaly but a move didn’t go through during the summer transfer window.

Youssouf Sabaly, 26, came up through the Paris Saint-Germain academy, moving to Bordeaux permanently in 2017.

The defender made 21 starts and two substitute appearances in Ligue 1 for Bordeaux last season, providing one assist in the process.  He also made four appearances in the Europa League for Les Girondins last season.

The Senegal international, who is under contract with Bordeaux until June 2021, is a very good defender and is versatile enough to operate as a right-back or as a left-back.

Given Sabaly’s versatility, experience and international pedigree, Newcastle must reignite their interest in the defender and attempt to sign him during the January transfer window.

Newcastle have not had a good start to the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, losing their opening two encounters.

They were beaten 3-1 by newly-promoted Norwich at the weekend, with their performance very poor. The Toon were thoroughly outplayed by Daniel Farke’s side and Steve Bruce must be concerned with his team’s failure to amass a single point thus far.

Bruce, who replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm of the Magpies earlier this summer, is already under pressure with the Geordies already vocal about their displeasure of having the former Sunderland manager at St. James’ Park. Despite reinforcing the full-back area by adding the likes of Emil Krafth and Jetro Willems, Newcastle continue to struggle defensively.

DeAndre Yedlin aggravated his groin injury which is set to keep him out for a month, leaving Bruce with Javier Manquilo and Emil Krafth at right-back. After Manquillo struggled against Arsenal in Newcastle’s opener, Krafth was given a chance to impress at Norwich.

Krafth was under the microscope with the game at Carrow Road being his first game and even he struggled to convince Bruce.

Although Krafth had a day to forget on Saturday, the Swede cannot be written off straight away as he needs time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. The right-back is a position of concern for Newcastle and that should prompt Bruce to go for Youssouf Sabaly in January 2020.

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Sabaly’s biggest strength is his pace, energy and tenacity. The modern-day full-back can whip in some impressive crosses with his right foot and is comfortable while carrying the ball from the back.

The Senegalese can link up play well with his short passes as well. On the defensive front, the 26-year-old can keep things tight as he is a very good reader of the game.

Verdict

Sabaly has the right qualities to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. If Newcastle manages to sign the speedy full-back from Bordeaux, it could push either of Manquillo or Yedlin closer to the exit door in the New Year.