Newcastle United target a Ligue 1 winger to play opposite Saint-Maximin

A year after signing Allan Saint-Maximin from the French top league, Newcastle United are considering another player from Ligue 1 to play opposite him.

Entering this offseason, Newcastle United have a few positions that definitely need an upgrade and one of those is the winger opposite Allan Saint-Maximin. If the Magpies can bring in a suitable player to play on the right wing, Miguel Almiron will be able to stay in his preferred position as a number ten. Newcastle may have found an option to play on the right side in the same league they signed Saint-Maximin from.

Lyon’s Bertrand Traore is rumored to be a target for Steve Bruce’s side this summer. The 24-year-old previously played for Chelsea before making the move to France. Newcastle United are a reported suitor, as are clubs like Everton and Leicester City. For the Magpies, he would certainly fit what they are looking for from their right winger.

Like Saint-Maximin, Traore excels when he can drive at defenders and has top-level dribbling ability. He has good pace and is willing to pull the trigger with his left foot. If Newcastle United brought him in, it would solidify an electric trio of ASM, Almiron, and Traore, who can all use quickness and skill on the ball to get around defenders and create space for one another.

The issue for Traore is a lack of production, which hindered the impact Saint-Maximin and Miggy made early on in their NUFC careers, too. In 23 league appearances, he only registered three assists and one goal. But, his skillset would fit perfectly with the other attacking talent and he shouldn’t break the bank. Newcastle United should make it back-to-back years that they sign young, skilled wingers from Ligue 1.