Newcastle-linked 'new Yaya Toure' named the 'best footballer in France' ahead of Mbappe and Neymar

By Shamanth Jayaram

GFFN released their 100 best players in France list and reported Newcastle United target Seko Fofana has claimed the top spot, much to every Ligue 1 fan’s surprise.

Don’t get us wrong, Fofana has been absolutely phenomenal but nobody expected him to outrank PSG’s superstars. The 26-year-old, dubbed the ‘new Yaya Toure,’ has scored five goals from central midfield already and his performance against Paris Saint-Germain last month is among the best we’ve seen by a player against the French giants in recent years.

Fofana’s performances over the last year have attracted a lot of attention. The Ivorian has been linked with a move to Newcastle United for a while now and recent reports have claimed that the Magpies are stepping up their interest.

The January transfer window is now open and Newcastle can show the world what they’re all about under their new owners. Fofana would be a great signing and GFFN’s recognition further proves how good he has been.

Newcastle-linked Seko Fofana outranks Messi, Neymar and Mbappe

GFFN100 is an annual list ranking the best players who play in France. Fofana was ranked 98th in their 2020 list, but he has climbed all the way up to the top now, ahead of some of the biggest names in football.

Europe’s most sought-out Kylian Mbappe ranks second on the list, while Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi ranks fourth. Dimitri Payet and Gianluigi Donnarumma rank seventh and eighth respectively, while Neymar – the most expensive player in history – has dropped 22 places to rank 24th, one place behind ex-Everton star Idrissa Gueye.

Fofana claiming the top spot makes him the first non-PSG player in the history of the rankings to outrank everyone else in France. That is a really impressive feat and it is no surprise that he’s a wanted man.

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Should Eddie Howe sign Fofana?

Newcastle look like they are about to complete the signing of Kieran Trippier, while they are on the lookout for a new striker too. A centre-half is also a necessity, but a top-quality midfielder could really change their fortunes.

Fofana, based on what we’ve seen from him over the last 12 months, would be an incredible signing. The 26-year-old is good with the ball at his feet, can breeze past opponents and his work ethic on and off the ball is absolutely incredible.

In order to survive, Newcastle need a player who is willing to work his socks off from the first minute to the last. Fofana checks that box perfectly and at 26 years of age, he is nearing his prime. The Magpies could really benefit from his signing, but he will not be cheap.

It will be interesting to see if the Magpies will table a bid for Fofana in the coming days.