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‘He’s a bit like Messi’: Laurent Koscielny is a big fan of Newcastle’s latest reported target
French outlet Foot Mercato revealed earlier this week that Newcastle United have opened talks with the agents of Real Betis star Nabil Fekir ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League every year since he was at Lyon. He was once on the verge of joining Liverpool as well, but that move famously broke down in the end.
Fekir is now at Betis and he is a real star there. However, he has entered the final two years of his contract and if a good offer arrives, the Spanish side will likely sell him in January.
Newcastle’s new owners are looking to make a statement in the winter window. Fekir, a World Cup winner, would be a big signing, and if ex-Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny’s words are anything to go by, Magpies fans should be really excited.
Koscielny: Newcastle target Nabil Fekir is a bit like Lionel Messi
Speaking about Fekir in October 2016, Koscielny told : “Nabil has got huge technical skills. He’s a bit like Messi with his small steps when he runs with the ball in one-on-one.
“He was slowed down a bit with his terrible injury, but he’s slowly coming back to his best level. He’s able to make a difference on the pitch, with a good one-on-one or with an assist or a goal.
“He’s a young player who needs to be happy in his club and his national team. He’s a very nice guy, so we hope he’ll improve to become a great player.”
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Five years ago, Fekir had the world at his feet. He was one of the best creative midfielders in France and almost every football fan was convinced that he was destined for great things in the future.
Sadly, the Frenchman has had a lot of injuries to deal with. He hasn’t quite fulfilled the potential he showed as a youngster at Lyon, but he’s at the prime of his career at 28, and he could have a real impact if he comes to the Premier League.
Newcastle have been linked with about 50 players already, but Fekir, unlike Messi, is a realistic option. He’ll have just 18 months left on his contract in January, and if they really want him, they should be able to get him in the winter window.
