SEVEN STARS OF FRENCH SIDES RAFA MAY FANCY
FRANCE is a country which Newcastle fans are all too familiar with, owing to their recent history of transfer business there.
From success stories like Yohan Cabaye to nightmares like Manu Rivière, the Magpies have never been afraid to dip their toes into the talent pool across the Channel. With that in mind, here are seven Ligue 1 stars who could help the club in the summer as they seek to cement themselves as a regular Premier League fixture for years to come.
JÉRÔME ROUSSILLON Montpellier HSC
A marauding left wing-back, Jérôme Roussillon has been a revelation for Montpellier this season.
Three league goals and the same number of assists does not quite paint the entire picture of a player who has been a creative outlet for a side many thought would be fighting at the bottom of the table but are instead in the final stages of a battle for a European spot.
He is rapid but also able to give a team fantastic width and has a desire to recover defensively in a timely and incisive fashion - and the 25-year-old would likely help Newcastle move into the next phase of their Premier League existence with the potential to become one of the division’s most versatile full-backs. Monaco currently lead the race for his signature. Probable Asking Price: £0 – free agent this summer
CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN Toulouse FC
Defensive reinforcements will be a must this summer, given the lack of options available to Rafa Benitez, and Toulouse’s Christopher Jullien would be the ideal addition.
A physical defender with impressive aerial ability and a duel specialist, he would likely partner Jamaal Lascelles with aplomb.
While the 2017/18 campaign has been far from his strongest, the 25-year-old certainly has the capability to perform at a higher level and his recent lack of form might bring down the price a little.
For a player whose game is ideally suited for the Premier League, he could be a steal. Probable Asking Price: £15million
KARL TOKO-EKAMBI Angers SCO
No individual has directly impacted their team’s fortunes this season in Ligue 1 more than Angers forward Karl Toko-Ekambi.
The Cameroon international has either assisted or scored 22 of the club’s 39 goals this campaign, grabbing 17 strikes himself in 34 appearances. It looked like a move to Brighton was on in January but Les Scoistes stood firm, and he remained to help keep them in the division with his guile and ability to penetrate defensive lines. While he will not come cheaply, his versatility and eye for goal is exactly what the Magpies have been missing this season. Probable Asking Price: £20million
NICOLAS PéPé Lille OSC
Nicolas Pépé was in demand last summer and, despite a rocky start to life in Lille, he is a player that Newcastle should continue to monitor.
The Ivorian did not score until November but since then he has grabbed 11 goals and three assists as LOSC continue to try and scramble away from danger.
His form and Les Dogues’ plight could play into the Magpies’ hands as the club are reportedly on the brink of financial ruin, while the 22-year-old would likely want to avoid playing in Ligue 2 next season.
Able to play on either wing as well as up front, he could grow into a real weapon for Benitez next season. Probable Asking Price: £20million
BENJAMIN LECOMTE Montpellier HSC
Goalkeeping questions have littered Newcastle’s season - bringing in someone reliable between the sticks will be the top priority this summer.
They should look no further than Montpellier’s Benjamin Lecomte, who has kept 13 clean sheets this season - only bettered by PSG’s Alphonse Areola and Lyon’s Anthony Lopes - the 27-year- old finally putting his more erratic seasons at Lorient behind them.
Consistent, a good distributor and with the ability to produce singlehandedly point-winning performances, he could be exactly the kind of player the Magpies require for the next season. Probable Asking Price: £15million
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU Paris Saint-Germain
A loan deal might be more realistic,
but St James’ Park might be the ideal location for Paris Saint-Germain’s Christopher Nkunku to get consistent game-time.
The talented 20-year-old allaction central midfielder has seen a little more of the pitch since Neymar’s injury but he will likely remain at the bottom of the pecking order if he stays at the Parc des Princes next season.
However, he has never looked out of place when called upon and, although a box-to-box midfielder by training, has seen some success in the inside forward role - showing an ability to create and score in equal measure. Much like Kenedy was this season, Nkunku could be that extra flash of quality Newcastle need in the final third to unlock opponents. Probable Asking Price: Loan/£15million
VALENTIN ROSIER Dijon FCO
A rising star for one of Ligue 1’s most exciting outfits, France under21 international Valentin Rosier has been one of the most impressive right-backs in the country this season.
The 21-year-old is also capable of playing on the opposite flank, having made seven appearances in that position this campaign, and has been an integral cog in Dijon’s superb home form.
The growth potential here and the cut-price deal they may be able to get from the unheralded club surely will peak Rafa Benitez’s interest.
Positionally sound and adept in both halves of the pitch, Rosier would represent a gamble, but the goldrush for Ligue 1 talent is such Newcastle would likely miss out if they were not to pounce this summer. Probable Asking Price: £10million
■ This article is from our French football partners Get French Football News. You can follow both Nathan Staples and Get French Football News on Twitter.