Leeds United and Newcastle want to sign Moses Simon but former Magpies ace Celestine Babayaro believes the Nantes winger must join a Champions League club instead, speaking to Own Goal Nigeria.
During the African Cup of Nations in January, reports emerged claiming that Newcastle had turned down the chance to sign Simon when he was valued at just £4 million.
That certainly feels like a costly mistake these days. Literally, in fact.
Because, with Simon going from strength to strength across the Channel – following up his mesmerising displays at AFCON with a free-kick winner against Reims and a devastating performance against Paris Saint-Germain – it could take a fee in the region of £40 million to secure his signature these days.
Is Moses Simon heading to the Premier League?
Simon admitted that Leeds had made a ‘strong offer’ in the winter window. The Whites are understood to still be interested heading into the summer.
Newcastle, however, are willing to hand Simon a £100,000-a-week deal at St James’ Park. According to reports, the former Genk and Levante speedster is one of the club’s top summer targets.
But Babayaro, who spent three years at Newcastle after a spell at Chelsea, believes his fleet-footed compatriot can afford to aim higher than two clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
“I think he is at that stage where he should focus on playing in the UEFA Champions League,” says Babayaro.
“The plan for him should be to play for a team that is a regular in European competition. He has come full circle and this is the time to make a giant leap.”
If Nantes are demanding £40 million, Newcastle can probably be considered the clear frontrunners at this stage.
Especially with Saudi Arabian billionaires giving the club access to unprecedented financial means.
Leeds have never spent more than £27 million on a single player after all.
Then again, should Raphinha depart, Leeds will have a sizeable wad of cash burning a hole in their back pocket and a talismanic winger that needs replacing.
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