Report: Leandro Trossard concerns emerge after Newcastle reject chance to sign him

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United have been linked with signing Leandro Trossard this month, and the 28-year-old’s Brighton future is now in serious doubt.

According to the Daily Mail, the forward has been training away from the first-team in recent days, and is unlikely to face Liverpool this weekend.

They state that he is suffering from a slight calf injury, but that does not tell the full story. The Daily Mail add that Brighton boss Roberto De Zebri now has concerns over Trossard’s attitude, and that is why he has not been involved in training.

The Belgium international recently received criticism from De Zerbi, who told the Athletic that he can ‘he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch’.

Trossard was one of the stars of the Premier League before the World Cup. He has got seven goals this season, including a hat-trick at Anfield that led to Shearer calling him ‘magnificent‘.

But the turn of the year has brought change for Trossard. He was an unused substitute in the 4-1 win over Everton, then was dropped from the squad completely for the FA Cup win at Middlesbrough.

Now the Daily Mail believe that his Brighton future is ‘under growing uncertainty’, which, on the face of it, could hand Newcastle the chance to grab a bargain. However, that is highly unlikely.

Newcastle have already turned down Leandro Trossard

Heading into January, Newcastle were heavily linked with signing Trossard. He looked like he would be a useful addition, and give Eddie Howe even more options in attack.

The Dan Ashworth factor was also a positive, as he previously worked with Trossard at the Amex Stadium.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes that Newcastle have already made a decision about the Belgian.

He stated last week that Newcastle were one of multiple clubs to be offered Trossard by the player’s agent. However, Jacobs believes that the Magpies turned down the chance to sign him as they would rather focus on younger targets.

Given that Trossard is the same age as Miguel Almiron, Newcastle’s decision made sense. And, if the Daily Mail’s report is correct, it sounds like the Magpies have got this spot on.

Character has been a huge factor in Newcastle’s recruitment since the change of ownership. Howe wants people who are good for the squad and will fit in at St James’ Park.

But the noises coming out surrounding Trossard suggest that he would not tick those boxes. De Zerbi is not happy with him, which hints that he probably wouldn’t suit what Howe is trying to build.

Newcastle turned down the chance to sign Trossard, and it looks like they made the right call.