French newspaper L’Equipe report that Lille have agreed a bargain £4.2million fee to sign Sochaux talent Alan Virginius, which sees Sven Botman’s side beat Newcastle in the race for the young Frenchman during this summer’s window.
Virginius, 19, has attracted interest from some big European clubs this summer after starring for Sochaux in the second tier of French football. He has clocked up 50 senior outings for Sochaux. 46 of those games have come in Ligue 2.
In that time, he has had a hand in 12 goals from midfield – scoring eight and laying on four assists. But Virginius, a 15-time France Under-19 international, has entered the final 12 months of his contract. Sochaux have cashed in.
Indeed, reports earlier this summer said Newcastle had made an approach to sign Virginius. However, it appears Lille – who Newcastle signed Botman from – is about to join Lille. The two have agreed a fee that could reach £4.2million.
Botman’s old side beat Newcastle in race for Virginius: £4.2m bargain fee
It is a bargain fee for Virginius. One that will surely leave Newcastle kicking themselves that they have not done more to secure the signature of the young French talent. Especially, with the Toon somewhat lacking in options in midfield.
That is, after the injury sustained by Jonjo Shelvey. It is likely to keep him out for the remainder of 2022. He is a real gem, a regular for France in his age group, and with plenty of experience already at just 19. Lille have done well.
It is a brilliant signing for the Ligue 1 side, who have just sold Renato Sanches to PSG. Newcastle need to get their heads down and make two or three more new signings before the end of the window, having only made three so far.
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