In a recent report, L’Equipe revealed that Newcastle United are in the running to land Angers keeper Yahia Fofana. It has been claimed that the Magpies would have to rival Southampton in the race to sign the Ivory Coast custodian this summer.
Fofana’s Impressive Form In Ligue 1 This Season
Fofana is having a solid season at the French club after he put in a string of impressive displays for them in Ligue 1. The Paris-born keeper has made 33 appearances for Angers this season, conceding 51 goals and securing seven clean sheets across all competitions.
The 24-year-old has done well to average 0.9 clearances and 5.5 long balls per 90 minutes in Ligue 1. However, he needs to be more accurate with his ball distribution based on his pass success rate of 62.7% in the French top tier (stats via whoscored).
Fofana is under contract at the French club until the summer of 2026. Therefore, the Magpies could potentially sign him on a cut-price deal this off-season.
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Get Fofana On Board?
Fofana can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing with confidence on the field. He is a good handler of the ball and can use his quick reflexes to make a few important saves at the back for his team.
Standing at 1.94m, the Ivory Coast sensation is a commanding presence inside his penalty area but needs to improve his passing accuracy if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
Fofana would no doubt enhance the quality of Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe’s goalkeeping department. He has what it takes to compete for a regular first-team spot at St. James’ Park next season.
However, it remains to be seen whether how the talented keeper handles the high intensity of the Premier League. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a player of his skill set.
At 24, Fofana has got his peak years ahead of him which makes him a great fit for the Tyneside club’s needs in the long run. Therefore, the Magpies would be wise to try everything they can to get the Angers custodian on board in this summer transfer window.
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