Newcastle United Are Set To Launch A Move For This Ligue 1 Starlet: Is He A Star In The Making? | OneFootball

In a recent report, L’Equipe mentioned that Newcastle United are set to launch a move for Rennes starlet Desire Doue. It has been revealed that the Magpies would have to rival Borussia Dortmund in the race to secure the services of the French attacker.

Doue’s Impressive Rise In French Football

The 18-year-old has come through the youth ranks of Rennes and has done well to establish himself as an important member of their senior team. Doue has made 55 senior appearances for the French club thus far, scoring six goals and grabbing two assists across all competitions.

The talented teenager has been a consistent performer for Rennes in the final third as he is averaging 2.5 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League. He has even been careful when distributing possession in the opponent’s half after completing 89.9% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at the French club will expire in the summer of 2026. Thus, Newcastle would have to make a convincing offer if they are serious about recruiting Doue before the end of this transfer window.

Rennes’ French midfielder #33 Desire Doue kicks the ball during the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and FC Metz at The Roazhon Park Stadium in Rennes, western France, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)

Newcastle United Are Set To Make A Move For Doue: Is He A Star In The Making?

Doue can engineer a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes in on-target. He has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third and can make a few driving runs with the ball as well out in the wide areas. The French whizkid is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder or as a secondary striker up top if needed. However, he is still quite inexperienced at the highest level.

Still, there is no denying that Doue is a star in the making and would be a great, long-term signing for the Magpies this winter. The gifted talent is already good enough to challenge for a regular starting spot in Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s first XI.

Furthermore, Doue could help the Tyneside club challenge for some major honours over the next decade. Hence, Howe would be wise to get a deal done for the French starlet before the end of this month.