Newcastle United’s search for a new left-back could reportedly lead them to Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy.
It is well documented that Eddie Howe is looking for a new left-sided defender ahead of next season, with Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney the favourite to arrive at Newcastle.
However, a new report from TeamTalk suggests that another name is on the Magpies’ radar heading into the summer transfer window.
Newcastle interested in Ferland Mendy
According to TeamTalk, Mendy has been told that he is no longer in Real Madrid’s long-term plans. This has reportedly alerted multiple Premier League clubs, with Newcastle now taking a close look at the 27-year-old.
Another Premier League club that is also looking at Mendy is Arsenal, who could be in need of a new left-back if Tierney leaves the club. There could be a situation where Newcastle moving for the Scot enables Mendy to swap Real Madrid for Arsenal.
He has Champions League experience
Mendy has missed a large portion of this season with a muscle injury, limiting him to just 18 La Liga appearances. He has also played five times in the Champions League, which is where Newcastle are heading.
Howe needs to boost the quality of his squad to compete in that competition next season, and signing Mendy would mean bringing in a player who has a plethora of Champions League experience. He won it last season with Real Madrid, playing the full 90 minutes in the final against Liverpool.
That kind of experience would make him a welcome addition, as would his ability to thrive as a modern fullback, much like Kieran Trippier does on the right of Newcastle’s defence.
Mendy has previously been praised for his ability to attack and defend, with agent Yvan Le Mee calling him ‘very rare‘ because he is strong offensively and defensively.
That is the exact quality that Howe will be looking for when he signs a new left-back. He would get it from Tierney, while he would also get it from Mendy.
