Apparently his club have had an official approach made. This article says it's 50/50 s to whether it is us making the approach. http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-now-...oposal-newcastle-united-make-approach-player/
Not seen much of him but sounds like could be decent. It looks like we are out there trying to line up deals early which is good news.
FIFA stats are good so let's buy him, simple. God id make a brilliant manager, might just put an application form in at Sunderland, carry on the great work Moysey's done
50/50 - What does that mean - it might have been us or it might not? We are certainly struggling now for transfer rumours.
One thing that shouldn't be overlooked is whether the lad can speak good English. I don't want someone who will struggle to fit into the team or communicate with his team mates.
So long as he can play football he'll fit in. He can always learn the language at his age he would be too late to be learning football, ask Colback.
No, he needs both. Rafa has left Mbemba out for most of the season allegedly because he can't speak good English. CBs need to be able to talk to the other players. I assume we would want this guy to be able play from day 1.
Agree and disagree with you. Yes the team and the parts of the team need to communicate but the number of words required on a football pitch to be able to do this is not great and should be capable of being picked up relatively quickly especially nowadays where Clubs can organise specialist help. A key issue would be the player's character and his determination to learn. The most important factor, for me, is his footballing ability and whether he has a footballing brain. Again for me i would take footballing brain and ability over command of the English language every day. He can learn one the other he has to have been born with at least at this level.
Sorry if i have misunderstood you but i thought you were saying he must speak good English when he arrived. Don't disagree with the need or the importance of communication but i would not not ( sorry, double negative) buy a player just because he couldnt speak English. If everything else fits which includes temperament then go for him, the English can follow.
Allegedly at a bargain price too at 13m euros. I would be happy with it, although there is a small risk the gains from it could be huge.