Lille have confirmed that Newcastle United target Tiago Djalo has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a blow which could bring an end to his chances of a £17 million switch to the Premier League this summer.
It always seems unfair when a footballer suffers such a serious injury. But, in Djalo’s case, this season-ending ACL rupture feels particularly cruel.
The 22-year-old was, after all, playing the best football of his young career at Lille. A full debut for the senior Portuguese team felt like only a matter of time. What’s more, Djalo was just starting to attract some serious interest from the continent’s most ambitious and most historic clubs; Newcastle and Inter Milan among his growing throng of admirers (Inter Live).
Djalo’s agent, the report adds, was in the San Siro stands for the Nerazzuri’s 1-0 Champions League victory over FC Porto last month. Newcastle, meanwhile, were ‘ready’ to pay upwards of £17 million for a man who spent a brief and forgettable stint at Inter’s bitter rivals AC Milan.
Whether they still are, of course, remains to be seen. Djalo, Lille say, will now undergo surgery on his right knee. With the talented centre-half potentially facing around six to nine months on the sidelines, it would be a surprise if any club – even one as well-heeled as Newcastle – are willing to stump up an eight-figure sum before Dialo proves that he is capable of reaching those pre-injury heights again.
Will Newcastle United now park Tiago Djalo interest?
“The diagnosis is unfortunately serious,” reads a statement posted on Lille’s website.
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“(Dialo) suffers from a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee, which will require surgery. Tiago Djalo’s 2022-2023 season is already over.
“Players, management, staff, supporters, all; we support Tiago! We wish him courage and a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back as soon as possible in the Dogues jersey.”
Dialo is not the only right-side centre-half on Newcastle’s radar. Per Sport1, the Magpies also like Leeds United’s Robin Koch. The German international is reportedly considering his future as he looks to force his way back into Hansi Flick’s side for the European Championships on home soil next year.
Newcastle may potentially step up their interest in Koch following news of Djalo’s diagnosis.
In other news, Pundit tips £232k-a-week ace for Liverpool; linked with Manchester United
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