Newcastle United have reportedly hijacked Genoa’s move for Thiago Maia.
According to Le10 Sport, Newcastle United have made a late bid to sign Lille midfielder Thiago Maia, hijacking his potential move to Genoa.
The Magpies have been busy of late, signing Joelinton, Jetro Willems and Allan Saint-Maximin, with all three being long-term targets of recruitment chief Steve Nickson.
Another player who fits that bill is midfielder Maia, as Le10 Sport reported last summer that Newcastle had made a loan bid to take the Lille star on loan.
Maia was on the verge of moving to Genoa for €7million (£6.5million), but Newcastle have now hijacked the move, seemingly matching their bid.
One interesting note is that Genoa’s move also included 50% of his next sale going to Lille, which would be a surprise clause for Mike Ashley to agree to given his desire for players with resale value.
Maia certainly fits that bill, given that he’s just 22 and has plenty of potential, so whilst signing him for just £6.5million would be great, the sell-on clause seems a little high.
Maia was signed from Santos in Marcelo Bielsa’s only transfer window as Lille boss, and whilst the Brazilian could be a star, he only started 10 league games last season.
A combative midfielder, Maia would make sense as a replacement for Isaac Hayden if he is moving on, but with no word of him – or any other Newcastle midfielder – leaving the club, this one may have some twists and turns yet, with Newcastle attempting to finally sign Maia having failed last summer.
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