On Sunday, L’Equipe had a rather long article regarding the potential transfer of Newcastle United’s Massadio Haïdara to Saint-Etienne, and explained an ‘extensive medical’ would take place.
The reason behind this was the defender’s injury history, with the Ligue 1 side wanting to ensure the player they would be getting wasn’t going to get reinjured a few games into the new season.
Newcastle, down their end, were said to be happy to let him go on a free, despite his contract ending next year, as long as they got 50% of whatever fee Saint-Etienne sold him for down the line.
It all looked good, and, as long as he passed his medical, heading in the right direction.
However, on Monday, the very same newspaper, this time publishing the news on their website, report the transfer will not be happening.
Despite all the aforementioned worrying, the reason behind this turn of events has nothing to do with the medical side of things, and it’s simply because the 24-year-old turned down Saint-Etienne’s contract offer.
Furthermore, they say the player’s isn’t interested in going to the French side, suggesting he’s happy with how things are going at St James’ Park.
Considering he made a grand total of three appearances for Newcastle last season, maybe, just maybe, looking elsewhere should be something to consider.
