It’s been a while since we’ve covered the Jonathan Bamba situation over at Saint-Etienne, but there’s been very little to talk about.
However, there’s now been an update in France on the situation, and it’s good news for both Newcastle United and Huddersfield, two clubs said to be keen on his services.
Huddersfield were said last month to have sent scouts on multiple occasions to watch the 21-year-old, while Newcastle interest dates back to the summer.
The France U21 forward’s contract is due to expire in June 2018, which means clubs will be able to talk to him to sign him on a free next month (something the Ligue 1 club were trying to avoid), but unfortunately for the French side, Bamba and his entourage were asking for a hefty wage (around €150k/month).
Yet Peuple Vert in France claim the situation has now changed, with Jonathan Bamba now making it clear he does not want to sign a new contract at Saint-Etienne, after being left ‘disappointed’ by the club for their reluctance to believe in him, having loaned him out to three different clubs over the course of 18 months.
If true, then both Newcastle and Huddersfield should, come the end of the month, be able to legally approach the young forward to discuss a contract to bring him to either St James’ Park or John Smith’s Stadium.
With no transfer fee, there’s every chance the player will end up asking for more wages, but even if he doubled his demands (currently £33k/week), both clubs should be able to afford it.
So far this season, Bamba has scored five goals and picked up two assists in 15 appearances in all competitions.
