Of all the new players during the last two days that Sam Allardyce is said to be linked to for Newcastle – one that looks particularly exciting is that of Frenchman Bakari Sagna – a right back currently at AJ Auxerre. However, Arsenal were in for him first – but Big Sam believes he has a chance of nabbing the youngster from under the noses of the Londoners.
Bakari Sagna of AJ Auxerre
Sagna looks ready to leave Auxerre during the summer to further his career and Newcastle have now joined Arsenal in an attempt to sign him. Bakari’s price is believed to be in the region of ₤6M and Sagna is said to be keen to play in the English Premiership. He is regarded as one of the best prospects in Europe and it seems that Auxerre are resigned to losing the 24-year-old. They are aware of the interest from the Gunners – and now of the Magpies. AJ Auxerre Manager Jean Fernandez said recently:
“The ideal thing would be for him to stay another year but that appears difficult.
His agent Christophe Mongai has admitted Sagna is hoping to win a move to England when he talked with SkySports:
“He wants to leave Auxerre and he would like to play in England,”
“At the moment there is no information [about a move] and we don’t know where he will play next season.
“But he is keen on England as he wants to move onto a higher level.”
Bakari Sagna was born on Valentine’s Day in Bourgogne, France in 1983 and has been playing for AJ Auxerre in the top division of French soccer since the 2004-5 season. He is 5’ 9†tall and has played 87 times for AJ Auxerre with no goals. Sagna has represented the French under-21 team during the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship and plays at right back.
He has recently received his first call up for the full French National side on May 24, 2007 for the French Euro 2008 Qualifiers against Ukraine and Georgia.
Arsene Wenger – the Arsenal manager – was first in for Sagna but Newcastle United -under new boss Sam Allardyce – are quickly preparing a bid of ₤6M to entice the Frenchman to Tyneside.
Allardyce believes he can get Sagna to Newcastle because of the promise of first team football – which he would not get at Arsenal. Given Allardyce’s persuasive qualities and man-manager skills don’t be surprised if Newcastle are successful with this signing – even though they are in late for the Frenchman. This should also help Sagna in his International career with France.
Newcastle obviously need to strengthen their defense which has leaked goals for many years – and Sagna would be an excellent acquisition for the Magpies.
Let’s know what you think about the possible arrival of Sagna on Tyneside.
9 comments so far
Outlaw
Jun 11, 2007 at 2:12 AM
Comment #1He looks like Drogba
Len Smith
Jun 11, 2007 at 4:46 AM
Comment #2At least he looks like a full back, ever so slightly mental. If he is still in the team after 87 games and no goals I can only assume he has a tackle to go with the look and if Wenger wants him I guess he can play so why not.
Aaron D
Jun 11, 2007 at 8:21 AM
Comment #3Sounds good, hopefully going to have a good defence this season. Taylor, Ben Haim, Sagna, Rozenhal, Carr, Babayaro. Wigan chairman sold some of his shares this weekend so more money can be invested to the club. Doubt they will sell Baines to us now, unless he begs for a move. Watched Holland U21’s last and their left back Royston Drethne goods very good and is only 20. Seen him play before and is impressive, good tackle, great at going forward, bags of skill, a right and left foot and a dangerous cross.
Also being linked with Liudivic Giuly this weekend, that would be a quality signing.
Definitley go for Sagna though, can’t really think of any other realistic right back signings. if arsenal want him must be pretty good.
Ed Harrison
Jun 11, 2007 at 8:33 AM
Comment #4Aaron – we saw that on Giuly – also the rumors are that Baines deal is to be done – think they’ve already done some work on it – but of course it’s hard to know what is fact and fiction. Certainly looks like defense will be much better next season – at long last .. good points though.
Ed Harrison
Jun 11, 2007 at 8:34 AM
Comment #5Len – he’s what we need – somebody who’s good – and will get better – and only 24.
Aaron D
Jun 11, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Comment #6Aparently SA has asked Emre about Tuncay Sanli who is availible on a free transfer, does any one know anything about him?
Ed Harrison
Jun 11, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Comment #7Aaron – here’s some good info on Sanli – “A player of whom great things are expected, Tuncay Sanli is a combative and prolific young striker with terrific pace and acceleration – plays for Fenerbache”.
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/euro/players/player=58610/index.html
Jam
Jun 11, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Comment #8This sagna is just the sort of player that could end up being a future great. It is brilliant to see us get in there for the future talent. Developing these younger players who will be worth there weight in gold within a few years. It shows Sam is going for the youngsters now at newcastle rather than the oldies at bolton. Looking to the now and the furure. If it works newcstle could be unstoppable!!!
Ed Harrison
Jun 11, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Comment #9jam – let’s hope so.