Newcastle United are linked with Chelsea youngster Armando Broja amid a lack of progress over their pursuit of Hugo Ektike. A six-month-long transfer saga appeared to be nearing an end, with ChronicleLive understanding a deal between the Magpies and Reims was “close”.
However, no progress has been made and, while Newcastle remain at the table, alternative targets are now being drafted up. Broja spent last season on loan at Southampton - bagging six goals in 32 appearances - and the Northern Echo claim the Magpies and West Ham are interested in the 20-year-old this summer.
ChronicleLive profiled what those who know the striker best - as well as a Champions League-winning manager - have said about the Albanian international.
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Ralph Hasenhuttl
Hasenhuttl managed Broja at the Saints in 2021-22 and he fired a warning to the player should he decide against a second spell at St Mary’s. As well as Newcastle and West Ham, Southampton are also interested is signing the striker for a second time.
“He knows how important it is for him as a player to play continuously,” he said. “Here he gets that chance and has shown he fits us and our shape.
“There are a lot of examples where players after changing clubs do not perform as they have done with us. He must know this and that his agent knows this.
“We have a good relationship with Chelsea and are in good contact. He is their player. We have tried to develop him here, and I think we have. If they think we should do it another year and do not want to sell him in the summer, then there is no better spot to be.”
Luis Enrique
Spain manager Enrique singled out Broja for praise following their narrow 2-1 win against Albania in March. Speaking post-match, he said: “If you look at him at Southampton he (Broja) causes problems for the best central defenders in the world.
“We (Spain) are not invincible. There were difficulties they put us under. They were going to test us and I am happy with the attitude we showed. We have to correct things, which is natural, but nobody is going to win by walking in modern football.”
Sergio Porrini
Porrini is Albania’s assistant manager and described Broja’s ability while in space as “devastating” on the international scene. However, there were concerns over the 20-year-old’s impact with his back to goal.
“From last year to this he has grown a lot, and at Southampton, he has exploded,” he said. “His greatest qualities are in progression, especially the ball and chain. (He’s) less good, on the other hand, with his back to the goal, in the construction of the action.
“But, in spaces, he is devastating!”
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