Report: Milan Skriniar makes PSG decision after links with Newcastle

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Newcastle United have been linked with signing Milan Skriniar on a free transfer, but the defender has reportedly now decided that he is going to join Paris Saint-Germain.

That is according to L’Equipe, who state that the 27-year-old has told the Ligue 1 giants that he will sign for them when his Inter Milan contract ends this summer.

With his current deal winding down, Skriniar has become a man in demand. Elite clubs from all over Europe have been eyeing up the Slovakian centre-back, including Newcastle.

It was recently claimed by 90min that the Magpies are expected to offer him a contract to move to St James’ Park ahead of next season. That would be a move that would delight Martin Dubravka, who has previously called his international teammate ‘amazing‘.

However, this amazing player is on his way to France instead. L’Equipe report that Skriniar has given PSG an ‘oral agreement’ that he will move to the Parc des Princes.

The French outlet add that there is a chance that he could join PSG earlier than planned and secure a move this month. It would reportedly cost as much as £13million – pocket change for the Qatar-backed juggernaut.

A move to Newcastle was never likely for PSG bound Milan Skriniar

While Skriniar would have been a sensational addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, a move to Tyneside never felt likely.

The prospect of getting him on a free obviously would have been tempting to a side that is trying be careful not to overspend, but the competition was just too fierce.

With major clubs like PSG chasing Skriniar, the finances involved to secure his services were going to be huge. He will no doubt receive a fantastic wage packet in the French capital – far greater than what he could have earned at Newcastle.

While Skriniar is an elite defender, there is no real need for a new centre-back at St James’ Park. We have the best defence in the Premier League right now, with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman playing brilliantly. Skriniar would have been an improvement, but Newcastle’s next signing in that position will probably be much younger.

When Newcastle decide to bring in a new centre-back, it will likely be someone similar to Botman – a young player with a lot of potential who can play alongside the Dutchman in place of the ageing Schar.

But there is no need for a replacement right now. Schar and Botman are doing brilliantly.

As for PSG, they will become even stronger with Skriniar’s presence at the back. Who knows, that could actually end up being an issue for Newcastle next season – if we qualify for the Champions League and come up against them!