Thursday, 2nd August, 2012
Lille president Michel Seydoux has confirmed that the club have rejected an improved bid from Newcastle United for Mathieu Debuchy, as it was below their valuation of the defender.
The transfer saga that has stretched for over a month started when the Magpies expressed an interest in the French international and tabled a €5M bid for the player. However, the French side rejected that offer even though the attacking right-back wanted a new challenge.
Newcastle continued to hold an interest in the defender and today, the club improved on their previous offer by €1M thus, tabling a €6M bid with a resale percentage clause to lure Seydoux into parting with his prized asset.
However, the Mastiffs president, who was already annoyed by Newcastle’s miserly attitude, has now finally decided to put an end to the saga by announcing that the 27-year-old will remain with the former Ligue 1 champions this season. He has rejected the improved bid from the Premier League side on the basis that it is still below their expectations.
“I have decided that Mathieu Debuchy will remain at LOSC”, said Seydoux.
“The offer from Newcastle is definitely not at the value of the player.”
The 64-year-old argued that his team has to face a number of challenges in August and simply cannot afford to let the talented Frenchman leave for a low price as the club will not be able to buy a replacement for him.
“As we have to face significant challenges in August (including the qualification round of the Champions League), the speculation needs to stop.
“For Mathieu Debuchy, it would have taken an offer that would give us the chance to buy a replacement. As these conditions haven’t been met, I have decided to make the decision.”
Lille had already told Alan Pardew’s side that they would need to cough up around €8M for the Frenchman and as the Magpies have not met this requirement, Debuchy may have to endure another season in Ligue 1.
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