A brace of Banguras on the cards?
Posted on June 24th, 2011 | 52 Comments |
You’ve probably seen various reports linking Newcastle to the Banguras from Sierra Leone who, incidentally, are not brothers. Both players are currently at Allmänna Idrottsklubben (AIK) in Sweden.
Let’s take Teteh Bangura first. The 6ft tall 21 year-old midfield/striker has a prolific scoring record with 58 goals in 67 games. Most of those goals have been scored in various lower leagues although he still managed a creditable 7 goals in 9 games for Sweden’s top division AIK.
Speaking in the Swedish press (which for some reason sounds like a torture device to me – don’t ask me why) yesterday, Teteh said:
“I like the Italian league.
“It’s good that clubs after me. It is the dream of every player to play in a better league. But right now I’m happy and pleased to be here.“
Which doesn’t sound too hopeful in terms of a Newcastle transfer, although most players are careful not to burn their bridges and will state they’re happy at their current club.
Moving on to Mohamed Bangura – this 21 year-old striker also has a prolific scoring record having netted 70 goals in 93 games. Again, a lot of those goals came in lower leagues although he outdid Teteh at AIK last season getting 19 goals in 22 games. He has also played 3 times and scored one goal for Sierra Leone.
Mohamed told the Swedish press that he is likely to go if AIK get a decent enough offer, saying:
“If there is a bid that AIK think is good I have to go.”
And when asked what he thought he was worth, he said:
“Ha ha, I can not decide. But I need to do more goals for them to get big money.”
AIK’s sports director, Jens Andersson, confirmed that a ‘handful’ of scouts were at the club yesterday watching both Banguras and then added:
“I do not want to comment too much on it, so interpret it as you wish. I can confirm that we are in a favourable situation where we have players who are of interest to several clubs.”
I can’t find any confirmation that Newcastle were represented amongst the scouts watching the Banguras, although Sky Sports got a quote from somewhere that had Teteh saying:
“I know Newcastle have seen all my matches and follow me.”
Their stats look excellent, although it’s guesswork as to how they’d cope in the Premier League.
There’s also an Alhassan Bangura if Newcastle want to try for three.
Teteh looks a lot like Muntari, thats not to say he will be any good – just a random observation
as always – I will believe when they are wearing the shirt