Throughout the summer Mathieu Debuchy has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League. Now it seems Newcastle are on the verge of signing the fullback.
Newcastle had seen an initial £4m offer rejected earlier this summer, but quickly returned to the negotiating table with a superior offer – closer to the £6m that Lille wanted for their much in demand defender.
Debuchy has signalled his intentions all summer to leave Lille and made it known he wants to join his close friend and international colleague Yohan Cabaye at Newcastle. His expected signing is likely to lead the way for Danny Simpson to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
The Frenchman is now expected to travel to the Toon within the next few days to undergo a medical.
Club: Lille
Age: 27 years old
Position: Right Back
Bio
The 27 year old started 32 matches last season for Lille, contributing 5 goals, as the French side finished 3rd in Ligue 1.
Debuchy has played over 200 times for Lille, scoring 15 times for the club he joined at just eight years old having matured through their youth academy.
He impressed for France at right back during this summer’s Euro 2012 tournament. His national side reached the quarter final stage of the competition before losing to eventual champions Spain.
Positioning and Ability
As mentioned before, Debuchy is most commonly played as a right back. However, he does have the potential to play in midfield – the position he started his career in.
Debuchy is an extremely adapt defender. He loves to make a tackle and is strong in the air. When attacking, the Frenchman is more than capable of making the key passes needed; this can be seen by his short passing and crossing ability.
From his time at Lille, it’s clear to see the players goal scoring ability even from a defensive position. This would be very useful for Newcastle as they look to build on last seasons’ fifth place league finish.
His often commits a number of fouls during matches – this is his only notable weakness.
How would he fit in?
Debuchy would certainly strengthen the Newcastle defence. His experience and ability will be very welcome at the Sports Direct Arena.
As mentioned before, the 27 year olds arrival will probably mark the end of Danny Simpson’s career at the club. The Englishman would surely become a backup player in the right back position, as Debuchy becomes Pardew’s new first team preference.
Debuchy would be a great signing for Newcastle, certainly a transfer confirming Pardew’s target for glory this season. With the Europa League also in contention, the Frenchman’s experience on the continent will add another dimension to the team. This will be vital in order to match last terms success.