Newcastle United are trying to sign Moussa Diaby this summer.
The 22-year-old currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, but the Northern Echo claim that Newcastle are ‘increasingly confident’ about bring him to St James’ Park.
Diaby would be a huge signing for the Magpies. He’s had a sensational season in the Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.
His end product has been incredible, which is why Newcastle are interested. Eddie Howe needs to add more goals to his team, and will also be looking for more creativity from out wide.
The Magpies are on the lookout for a new wide midfielder, and Diaby ticks all the boxes. He can score and assist, he can play on both flanks, and he has his best years ahead of him.
And he’s also been able to take advice from one of the best players in the world.
What Kylian Mbappe taught Newcastle target Moussa Diaby
Bayer Leverkusen signed Diaby in 2019 from PSG, where he had spent one year in the first-team.
The Frenchman made 34 appearances in all competitions in the 2018/19 season for PSG, scoring four times for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Diaby played with some exceptional talent at the Parc des Princes, such as Neymar, Thiago Silva, Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria.
He also shared a dressing room with Kylian Mbappe, and Diaby has spoke about what he learned from the World Cup winner.
“You learn loads of things from them, above all as a young player I received and accepted lots of advice,” Diaby told Bayer’s official website.
“With Mbappé, he always impressed me with his distinctive winning mentality. He’s continually determined to score goals and even counts those he nets in training.”
Mbappe inspiration could help Newcastle
It’s no surprise that Mbappe has an elite mentality. That’s why he’s one of the best players on the planet today.
But Diaby has seen close up what the forward does to maintain his high standards. And he will have taken inspiration from the man who he now shares an international dressing room with.
The Toon target is currently with the France squad for the Nations League, where he’s playing alongside his former club teammate Mbappe.
If Newcastle do sign Diaby, they will be getting one hell of a player. And they will have someone who has seen firsthand what it takes to become a global phenomenon. That can only benefit the Magpies in the long run.
Fingers crossed this deal happens.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
