Florian Lejeune On The Verge of Newcastle Move

A transfer saga verging on the levels Bafétimbi Gomis and Kevin Gameiro, Florian Lejeune appears to finally be on the verge of becoming a Newcastle player. Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirmed Lejeune is in Newcastle and currently undergoing a medical. It was weeks ago we were first told the deal was almost done, after some apparent haggling over how the fee would be paid, Eibar and Newcastle appear to have finally agreed a structure.

Hopefully this is the move that spurs more movement over the next few weeks. At the very least it will certainly go some way to easing nerves on Tyneside. Lejeune was instrumental in Eibar’s 10th place finish in La Liga last season, having signed for them from Manchester City where he never played a game. He’s the tall, powerful centerback our backline has been craving for over a decade. His size means he lacks some pace, but is comfortable on the ball and should adapt well to the Premier League.

It will be interesting to see how he fits into the side, presumably this will mean Grant Hanley’s days at the club are coming to an end. Otherwise, Lejeune will have to battle with Lascelles - the captain, Clark - our best centerback last season, and Mbemba for playing time. It’s impossible to predict what the team will look like for most the season right now, but I think we can expect Lejeune to play a big part and to take minutes away from key players last season.

For now, let’s be grateful the club’s transfer window seems to finally be open. Assuming only one centerback from the current group leaves, we should be settled there. Now it’s time to find a winger, a center mid, and someone to compete with Gayle up top, at the very least.