Not many of us saw this one coming, but according to reports, Real Madrid are to splash out £30million on Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko, after the midfielder shone for France at EURO 2016.
With number one target Paul Pogba set for a £92million move to Manchester United, Real will now turn their attention to another (cheaper) French midfielder, in the shape of the 26-year-old Sissoko.
Sissoko joined the Magpies from Toulouse in 2013, but despite his immense talent, the player has frustrated the Toon Army with his inconsistency. It had been thought that a bid of £22million would secure the services of Sissoko, but a superb EURO 2016 has added value to the player, with Real now willing to part with £30million to get their man.
While Sissoko has indeed frustrated during his time in England, his ability is undoubted and put in tandem with the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the Real midfield, he could finally fulfill his potential on a regular basis. Then again, he could find himself as nothing more than an expensive bench-warmer.
If the deal does happen, then Newcastle will have recouped nearly £70million from the sales of Sissoko, Andros Townsend (to Crystal Palace for 13m) and Georginio Wijnaldum (to Liverpool for £25m). That tidy sum will give Rafa Benitez plenty to play with before the transfer window closes at the end of August.