Price might not be right on stopper for United
NEWCASTLE United have been told they will have to pay between €50m and €60m if they want to sign Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.
The Magpies are one of several European clubs to be linked with a move for the young centre-back this summer, but he won’t come cheap.
At 21 years of age, he is yet another talented centre-back fresh off the production line in France, a nation blessed with an unbelievable pool of central defenders.
Badiashile has established himself as a key member of Monaco’s first team so it is hardly surprising that they have placed such a high valuation on him.
Nice-Matin in France have reported the €50m to €60m price tag amid ongoing interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Newcastle are one of many sides to have been linked with the player, alongside Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Sevilla who are all reportedly showing some kind of interest.
For that reason, it seems extremely unlikely he will be leaving Monaco this summer and even less likely that the Magpies will buy him if he does.
The arrival of Sven Botman wouldn’t necessarily affect a potential pursuit of Badiashile as the two centre-backs play on opposite sides of the defence, but the fee is just far too high.
It has been well documented that United cannot just spend freely this summer due to Financial Fair Play restrictions and other areas of the squad are of a greater priority to Eddie Howe.
The kind of money that it would cost to sign Badiashile could be spent elsewhere on a very good striker and/or attacking midfielder/winger.
However, should United pursue a move for the youngster, it would a very exciting proposition. Badiashile is the France U-21 captain and has already made 16 appearances at the premier level of youth international football.
His experience on that stage is coupled with ample top-flight knowhow. He has played in excess of 100 games for Monaco in all competitions, providing him with experience far beyond his age.