Newcastle United’s patience with the Moussa Diaby transfer could be set to pay off as Bayer Leverkusen look set to listen to offers for the French winger this summer.
Sky Sports Germany’s Marlon Irlbacher has said: “Moussa Diaby is the hottest personnel at Bayer Leverkusen next to Florian Wirtz.
“His contract is worth €50m until 2025, so there’s really no reason for Bayer 04 to sell him in the coming summer.
“But the fact is, and this is what we hear, that if a fantastic offer comes in, then Bayer 04 is ready to talk and he would not mind making a move to a top European club. A return to Paris is on his mind.”
Diaby’s £60m price tag was an issue for Newcastle
Newcastle tried to land the 23-year-old in the summer but refused to meet Bayer 04’s asking price of £60million and turned their attentions elsewhere, ultimately failing to bring in anyone for that position.
Despite bringing in Anthony Gordon in January, it’s still likely that Newcastle will be looking for more reinforcements in midfield and Moussa Diaby will still feature highly on Eddie Howe‘s wish list.
Diaby has racked up eight goals in the Bundesliga this season along with five assists in 22 appearances, which is an impressive return given Bayer Leverkusen’s shaky start to the campaign.
Of course, it all depends on what Bayer 04 deem to be a “fantastic” offer worthy of opening discussions. We’ve already seen that both sides know how to play hardball and tend to stand firm on their valuation of players, so it might be tricky for an agreement to be reached unless one side is willing to budge on their valuation.
Geordie fingers will be crossed for this one
Many Newcastle fans were disappointed that a deal could not be reached in the summer, so should be pleased to hear that Leverkusen are willing to open talks in the summer over a potential move.
Like with so many other of Newcastle’s transfer targets a lot could depend on how Newcastle finish this season and whether or not they can offer European football next term.