Signing This £30m Attacker Could Turn Out To Be A Blunder Mistake By Newcastle United – Agreed?

Should Newcastle United Re-Sign Moussa Sissoko

Having failed to nail down a regular starting place at Tottenham, the question is being asked whether Newcastle United would be interested in re-signing Moussa Sissoko this summer.

The French international midfielder was brought to Newcastle in January of 2013 by chief scout Graham Carr as part of the so-called ‘French Revolution’ on Tyneside and was originally a hit among the fans. Sissoko blew hot and cold at St James’ Park though, making 133 appearances in black and white but often drawing criticism from Newcastle fans for his perceived ability to turn it on during big televised games, though not producing the expected levels week in, week out.

There can be no doubts about what Sissoko can achieve, though he seems unwilling or incapable of reaching his best level of performance on a regular basis. While playing for Newcastle, man-of-the-match performances from Sissoko against the likes of Chelsea were followed by some excellent displays for France in Euro 2016. This led to Tottenham Hotspur paying £30million for his services last summer.

Famously fond of sulk and his self-importance, Sissoko’s mood has not improved much over the last year despite getting his much wanted big move out of Newcastle. The former Toulouse man has been entrusted with just 7 Premier League starts and 1 in the Champions League.

The main issue with players like Sissoko is the question of loyalty. To be adored by a football public who spend hard earned money every week to watch their idols, like how he was on Tyneside, and then repeatedly tell them that he would be better off elsewhere, frankly stinks. As if to accentuate this point and his lack of respect, Sissoko not only made his desire to leave Newcastle public, but named his preferred destination!

Sissoko called Arsenal the ‘club of his heart’, only to be left hanging by Arsene Wenger and instead, ended up signing for Arsenal’s bitter rivals, Tottenham. So, when a player is disliked by most Newcastle fans for the way he treated the club, disliked by Arsenal fans for joining Spurs (not that they appeared to want him) and disliked by Tottenham fans because of his love for Arsenal, it’s obvious that he is the common denominator.

Sissoko is disloyal, arrogant and self-indulgent. His overall ability and attitude do not match the sort of money Newcastle sold him for and they would be very wise to ensure that they give not a penny of that back to Tottenham.  Leave Sissoko and Tottenham to their own devices. It’s not now for Newcastle to bail Tottenham out and help them recoup some money on what was always a ridiculous signing.

Newcastle will need midfield reinforcements next season but they will need to ensure they have the correct work ethic in the player, not just the required natural talent. Sissoko simply doesn’t fit this bill and signing him would represent a huge risk and a massive mistake on the club’s part.