Versatile, powerful and athletic, Cheikh Niasse is able to position himself with the central defenders at the restart, he has an interesting technical quality for a player of this athletic presence. He is also able to play as a relay midfielder, able to launch offensive transitions but also to retrieve many balls in midfield .
Appeared once in Ligue 1 this season with Losc (against Saint-Etienne on the 3rd day), Cheikh Niasse is not sure to finish the year with his club. The 19-year-old defensive midfielder, who can also play central defender, is on the rosters of three clubs: Watford (England), Rennes and Mainz (Germany).
However, the Bretons will have to contend with competition from these other clubs. Cheikh Niasse arrived at LOSC in 2016 from the Jean-Marc Guillou Academy in Lierse. The Senegalese nugget had extended his contract until 2023 at the beginning of 2019.
Soumaré’s replacement ?
The management have taken the first steps in an attempt to snatch the Senegalese from a Losc, who is not expected to sell this winter. But as is often the case with the northern club, the offer will determine the final decision.
Lille would especially like to continue with their midfielder in the event of the departure of Boubakary Soumaré, who is coveted in England and could leave this winter. Some sources have mentioned a first forthcoming offer from one of the three clubs for Cheikh Niasse in the form of a loan with a compulsory purchase option.
Although the English club Watford have made enquiries about the 19-year-old player, it is Stade Rennais who appear to be the most advanced in this matter. More than just an interest in Niasse, the Bretons are already negotiating with LOSC on this issue, according to Foot Mercato.
