Boubacar Kamara has just handed Newcastle United a potential boost in their bid to secure a transfer for the midfielder by rejecting Marseille’s contract offer, as per Calciomercato.
The Frenchman will be a free agent at the end of the season with his current deal expiring in June. Les Phoceens, however, remain keen to convince the 21-year-old he should stay and continue his career at the Stade Velodrome.
Kamara has spent his entire career so far as a Marseille player after joining the club aged six. Breaking through the age ranks to make his senior debut in 2017, and going on to make 132 first-team appearances. He has also scored four times and laid on seven assists.
The central defender-cum-holding midfielder has started six of OM’s 10 Ligue 1 fixtures so far this season. He also scored his first goal of the campaign against Lorient last weekend, but it remains to be seen for how much longer he plies his trade in southern France.
Calciomercato report Kamara has rejected Marseille’s latest offer of a new contract amid transfer interest from AC Milan. The Rossoneri are considering a move for the France U21 international, who is sought-after across Europe.
Reports by La Lazio Siamo Noi claim Newcastle also like Kamara and could target a transfer, given his contract situation at Marseille. The Toon could face competition from Lazio and other Premier League squads, but are ready to table a lucrative offer.
Kamara contract decision a boost for Newcastle transfer hopes
Newcastle will be glad to see Kamara reject a new contract at Marseille, as they plot their transfer plans. United have courted the Frenchman previously and could finally get him in January if Les Phoceens feel forced to sell with eight-months left on his £49k-a-week deal.
The Magpies tried to sign Kamara from OM before their Saudi-led takeover with a loan bid this summer. RMC Sport noted Newcastle offered €2.5m (£2m) for a season-long deal with a €15m (£12.5m) option to buy. But the midfielder snubbed the switch to St James’ Park to be in control of his future next summer. Which, seemingly, remains the case right now.
Yet Newcastle will hope they can convince Kamara to leave Marseille in the January transfer window. And, in doing so, finally bring a highly-rated, sought-after talent to Tyneside who former Marseille star Rolando told RMC Sport:
“He’s the kind of centre-back that I love. He is full of qualities, and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary. I already told him: ‘In a few years, you will invite me to go see your matches for the France team and I can say that I played with you when you were 15-years-old’. I am sure and certain. He is very good, besides being a good person.”
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