Why Faitout Maouassa would be a smart addition to Newcastle ranks

Back in January, the Chronicle had reported that Newcastle United were interested in signing Rennes starlet, Faitout Maouassa. A move didn’t happen then and the Magpies eventually signed Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca on loan.

Faitout Maouassa, 21, spent the last season on loan at Nimes Olympique from Rennes and managed 27 appearances, bagging an assist. After returning to Rennes at the end of last season, he has played five games out of seven so far this campaign.

A versatile left-sided player, the France youth international should be a good fit at Newcastle United and Steve Bruce should make a move in January.

Newcastle have struggled to recruit a quality left-back over the past few years, with Antonio Barreca flopping last season on loan. Matt Ritchie spent the majority of last season in a makeshift left-back and surprisingly did impress.

Paul Dummett has been a reliable performer for the Magpies when fit and while the Toon did sign Jetro Willems on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, the Dutchman needs more competition.

Faitout Maouassa would be a good fit at St. James’ Park. Beginning his career at Nancy, the French Under-20 star was snapped up by Rennes in 2017. He made 22 appearances in his debut campaign at Rennes before being sent out on loan to Nimes last season.

Standing at 5ft 7in tall, the pint-sized Frenchman is capable of playing in any position on the left-hand side of the field. He boasts searing pace and energy and is perhaps suited to playing as a wing-back.

Despite possessing a diminutive figure, Maouassa has shown he is more than capable of competing with those bigger and stronger than him in the Ligue 1.

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The matter of fact that the left-footed flyer is impressing in the Ligue 1 at such a tender age is indicative of a level of maturity which belies his years and the Magpies have every reason to look at him as one for the future. All in all, he would add both quality and depth to Bruce’s squad.

Verdict

With that in mind, Newcastle completing a thrifty deal for the 21-year-old Maouassa in the January transfer window would be a shrewd piece of business that might reap rich rewards in the years to come.