Wylan Cyprien’s long-term absence means Newcastle United should think twice – though they should jump at the chance to sign his fellow Nice powerhouse.
News that Wylan Cyprien would miss the next few months with a serious knee injury could hardly have come at a worse time for the dynamic midfielder. After a fine breakthrough campaign with unfancied Ligue 1 outfit Nice, the 22-year-old was looking ahead to an exciting follow up campaign.
Either Cyprien would be playing Champions League football with the Riviera could or he would be embarking upon a new journey across the English Channel.
The Sunday People claimed in March, prior to his long-term injury, that Cyprien was a summer target for Newcastle United with manager Rafael Benitez wanting to add more thrust to a central midfield lacking a consistent goal threat.
A precise, forward-thinking passer, a dead ball specialist and the scorer of eight Ligue 1 goals from a nominally deep midfield role, few fit the bill better than Cyprien.
However, Newcastle have discovered the hard way the downfall of paying top dollar for a player with rather substantial fitness issues. Yes, we’re looking at you Albert Luque and Michael Owen.
Therefore, perhaps they should join the race for his midfield partner instead. RMC Sport reports that Premier League duo Southampton and Everton are leading the chase for Jean Michael Seri. Even his £33 million release clause doesn’t appear to have put suitors off.
The Ivorian, like Cyprien, possesses the ability to drive forward from deep while creating and scoring in equal measure. He’s scored six and assisted nine Ligue 1 goals in 2016/17. In fact, in Cyprien’s absence, Seri has stepped up to the plate with his energy and tenacity even drawing comparisons with a certain N’Golo Kante.
Yet, according to Goal, Seri has produced more key passes than Lionel Messi this season and idolises none other than legendary Catalan creator Xavi.
It’s fair to say, then, that Seri is an all-rounder. And while Everton may have an advantage with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri never afraid to spend big, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley should give serious thought to smashing their transfer record.
It could make the difference between staying up and going down next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
