The Newcastle career of midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko might not be over just yet – despite his dreams of a big money move.
Sissoko, 26, has been linked with a move away from the North East all summer, after the Toon’s relegation and his own brilliant performances for France at Euro 2016.
Nevertheless, despite talk of a £30million switch to Spanish giants Real Madrid, Sissoko remains a Magpie and Rafa Benitez is keen to make the most of the player he made captain at the end of last season, however long he remains at the club for.
Sissoko said: “”If Real Madrid are interested in you then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player.
“I spent three and a half years here. I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else.
The Frenchman has made 113 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Toulouse in 2013, scoring 11 goals, but hasn’t always had the best relationship with the club’s fans.
“I want to play in the Premier League, I want to play for a big club who can get into the Champions League. That’s why I said I want to leave this year.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here and now it’s time to look forward. The fans need to understand my situation, I hope they will and that everything will be OK.”
Despite reports he has been training on his own all pre-season, after Newcastle’s struggles at Fulham on the opening night of the season, Benitez will certainly be keen to bring Sissoko into the match day squad when they face Huddersfield at home on Saturday.
Speaking on July 31st to The Chronicle, Benitez said: “I don’t think he would be ready for Fulham.
“If he stays and we have to play him he will be fine.
“Not maybe for the next game, but thereafter he’ll be fine.”
He might not even be at the club at the end of the month, but while he is, he could prove the difference come May.
