RC Lens defender Kevin Danso has opened the door to a potential Premier League return when quizzed about rumours linking him with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, speaking to Kicker.
The Austria international has come a long way since that 10-game loan spell at Southampton in 2019/20. Lens coach Franck Haise believes Danso, who turned 24 in September, is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s premiere centre-halves, and it’s difficult to disagree.
Danso has marked experienced operators like Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez out of the game this season, while his 90 per cent pass completion rate shows that the one-time Reading teen has finesse to match his physicality (WhoScored).
“I’m playing my second season here at a very high level. I just feel good,” Danso smiles. “I’m developing every day, and everyone who knows me knows that the most important thing for me is to improve day by day. Not only as a footballer, but also as a person.
“As a defender, my goal is to concede as few goals as possible. I really take responsibility for every goal we concede, and see what I can do about it in the future and what I could have done better.”
Newcastle United reportedly like Ligue 1 stopper Kevin Danso
Danso’s burning desire for self-improvement will almost certainly lead to further interest from across the Channel; Jeunes Footeaux reporting recently that ambitious, deep-pocketed Newcastle are planning to test Lens’ resolve.
“The Premier League is, of course, a very attractive league,” Danso says when asked directly about those Newcastle links. “If there were to be an opportunity to go back there at some point, that would of course be interesting.
“But I’m not worrying about that now. I just have to see when the time comes to take the next step. Where the overall package suits me best. Currently, this is here in Lens.
“I want to play as well as possible here, finish the season with Lens as high up the table as possible and then we’ll see.”
‘One of the best defenders in Europe’
Newcastle, despite Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, still possess one of the best defensive records on the continent. Danso would add serious competition for Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, however, while both Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett are facing uncertain futures at St James’ Park.
“Kevin is our boss,” Haise tells Laola1. “He gives commands, he directs his teammates with a lot of vigour and passion. He is a leader by nature. This role suits him wonderfully, and he fulfils it with much enthusiasm.
“Kevin is a top professional. Every day in training, he is very serious. He takes good care of his body and he is hardly ever injured.
“Kevin is now one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1, but also in Europe. He has developed into a complete defender who is not only strong in the air but also has good technique with few mistakes in his build-up play and very clean passing.”
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