Real Betis ‘fear’ that Newcastle United will return for their star man Nabil Fekir in January after trying to sign him in the past.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say there is real concern that Newcastle’s newfound wealth could lead the Frenchman to St James Park.
They explain that Fekir has become the ‘franchise player’ at Betis since his arrival in 2019, particularly this season, where a ‘spectacular’ start to the season has seen him earn ‘affection and admiration’ both in Spain and abroad.
Betis are aware of the interest and have opened contract negotiations to extend his current deal, which expires in 2023.
If they don’t succeed, then next summer will be their final opportunity to recover something for the player, or he can leave the following year on a free.
So far, Fekir has only received proposals from the likes of Russia or Qatar, but there is now a chance Newcastle could come calling after ‘strong talk’ about them last summer.
The first time there was talk of a takeover by their new owners, Fekir was one of several big names to be linked with a move to the North East.
That obviously never went through, but now it has been finalised; there is a belief they will make a big splash in the transfer window, and Fekir will be on their list.
At La Palmera, they ‘fear’ a Magpies approach for their star man, although they would also be ‘rubbing their hands’ at the prospect of a big sale if he makes it clear he won’t sign a new deal.
That all remains to be seen, but Fekir is undoubtedly one of the ‘most fashionable’ players in Europe and Newcastle’s new owners are already making some clubs fear they’ll lose their best players.
