Newcastle are reportedly set to sign Eibar defender Florian Lejeune.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune
Newcastle have already added one permanent signing this summer in winger Christian Atsu, but another may be on the way imminently.
Reports from Spanish newspaper Marca claimed on Tuesday that Eibar defender Florian Lejeune is set for an £8.75million move to Tyneside, where he will double his wages after Rafael Benitez moved to sign him.
General view inside St. James’ Park
Whilst Newcastle do have Ciaran Clark and Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba had his ups and downs this season, and Grant Hanley is expected to leave the club this summer, meaning Lejeune could beef up Benitez’s defensive options.
Benitez may be keen to land the 26-year-old after an impressive La Liga campaign with Eibar, but the move will also represent a huge opportunity for Lejeune himself after a bizarre move in 2015.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune (R)
The former Villarreal defender was surprisingly signed by Manchester City in the summer of 2015, but rather than be given a chance to shine at the Etihad Stadium, he was immediately loaned out to Girona in Spain.
Lejeune returned to City last summer, only to be sold to Eibar, meaning his dream Premier League move barely even got started, playing no games in England in one of City’s more forgettable transfers in recent years.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune challenges Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo
Now, Lejeune has been away and proven himself, and he looks set to receive the chance to finally play in the Premier League – and he will be desperate to prove City wrong for selling him without even giving him one game.
A strong and imposing centre back at 6ft 3in tall, Lejeune could be a smart addition to the Newcastle back line, and he will be keen to shine at St. James’ Park as a result of his Premier League history – or lack of it.
Would you like to see Newcastle sign Lejeune?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
