AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile claims he’s happy with his situation in France. The Frenchman was linked with Newcastle United recently per iNews. He’s had an impressive campaign in the French league, making him a hot property across Europe.
Additionally, L’Equipe reported that the Magpies had put in a £33 million bid for his services earlier this year. Badiashile has been a key player for Monaco who have surged into the Champions League places in Ligue 1. He also has experience playing in the Europa League.
The defender spoke to iNews on his current situation at Monaco and what his future holds, as well as interest from clubs in England.
“Right now, I’m really happy with Monaco. I had some contact in the past with some [English] clubs but I’m fully focused on the end of the season and Monaco and I feel good,” he stated.
Newcastle will likely have to look elsewhere. Badiashile clearly seems happy in France and could well be playing Champions League football next season. So he’ll have to be taken off the list of Newcastle transfer targets.
Options at the back need to be looked at in the transfer window. But the Toon have a long time to play with.
Newcastle can target plenty of other defenders instead of Badiashile this summer, all is not lost
Considering his age and potential talent, Benoit Badiashile will be a missed opportunity. But Newcastle United are linked with multiple names this summer. PIF will likely have the chequebook out and ready for a busy transfer window ahead.
Other Newcastle transfer targets include Evan Ndicka, Lloyd Kelly and Goncalo Inacio. Furthermore, other names may appear in reports later this summer. So they’ll have plenty of other options to asses aside from Badiashile. Securing safety in the Premier League will attract some top talent.
In addition, the Magpies will look to offload a number of players this season. Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez are names that come to mind. They’ve hardly featured under Eddie Howe this season – Clark was removed from the 25-man squad earlier this year.
So you’d think a couple more defenders will arrive in Tyneside this summer. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are the go-to duo at the minute, with Jamaal Lascelles providing cover. In 2022 the defence has completely turned itself around from the start of this season.
Next season could be a really exciting one for Newcastle. It will be their first summer window with PIF at the helm. Considering the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes arrived in Janury, who could be next? But a lack of European football next season will be an obstacle.
They have the foundations of a very strong team. This summer is a great opportunity to build on that and maintain the challenge for the top ten. Beyond then who knows what awaits but it could be something special.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
