Borussia Monchengladbach will consider the future of Alassane Plea at the end of the term following an underwhelming campaign from the reported Newcastle United transfer target.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who report Plea faces an uncertain future as his contract with Gladbach expires next year. He has also struggled for form whilst Die Fohlen fall down the Bundesliga standings, with Adi Hutter’s side just four-points from the relegation places.
Plea has managed a mere four goals and two assists over his 22 German top-flight outings so far this season. He has also only started 14 games, while struggling to hold down a set position with minutes at striker, on the wing and even as a makeshift attacking midfielder.
Former Gladbach boss Marco Rose often utilised Plea as a centre-forward with occasional minutes on the flank. But the Frenchman has struggled to maintain his dynamic presence since the German tactician left Borussia-Park for North Rhine-Westphalia rivals Dortmund.
So, Plea is a candidate to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this year, but they will not force the 28-year-old out. It is still possible that Die Fohlen offer the one-cap forward a new deal, yet want to see an improvement in his performances as they strive to avoid a shock drop.
Newcastle offered fresh hope of transfer for Monchengladbach star Plea
Plea has been a standard-bearer for Borussia Monchengladbach since snubbing Newcastle for a transfer in 2018, per Chronicle Live. The Toon offered his former side LOSC Lille £20m, but Die Fohlen sealed his services for £22m with Rafa Benitez stating he was ‘on the list’.
Yet the Magpies remain attentive to what the Lille native could offer on Tyneside despite Benitez leaving in 2019. Bild journalist Christian Falk reported Newcastle targeted Plea’s transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in January and were ready to pay €10m (£8.5m).
But Borussia-Park chiefs wanted €20m (£16.5m) and the forward ultimately stayed in North Rhine-Westphalia. Denying the Toon a forward his former Fohlen teammate Denis Zakaria lauded while together in Germany. The Swiss midfielder once told Bundesliga.com:
“He’s not only a good goalscorer, but he really works hard for the team. His defensive work in Munich was excellent. Every time we lost the ball, he sprinted back to win it back as quickly as possible. He can also hold the ball up very well and he’s ice-cold in front of goal.”
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