Player Profile: Bafetimbi Gomis - Newcastle Target

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has confirmed the clubs interest in Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis after Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas announced that both Newcastle and Aston Villa had made enquiries into the availability of the 27 year old. Gomis, began his career at St Etienne, before joining Lyon in 2009, just a year after he was thought to be a target for then Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan who went out to France to watch him play. 

He was called up by France (rather than Senegal who he was also eligible to play for) and made his International debut in 2008 and scored two goals.

In 2009 Jean-Michael Aulas expressed concern over his star striker after Gomis collapsed three times over the summer/autumn months due to a condition known as Vasovagal Syncope, which leads to a drop in energy and subsequent fainting.  Gomis first experienced the condition as a 14 year old before suffering an episode aged 17 at St Etienne. He then underwent tests in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007 before the episode in 2009. Each time his condition was confirmed but not seen as a health problem and not an issue which would prevent him from playing. He was confirmed at 100% fit by the club’s physician.  There have been no further reports of a repeat incident since 2009.

Gomis, has one year left on his Lyon contract but it is likely that the side will be wanting to sell him this summer rather than let him go at the end of the season. It is reported that whilst Pardew is in Portugal with his side for two pre-season friendlies, he is in regular contact with his colleagues in Newcastle in a bid to land the striker, who will either link up with or replace the reportedly unsettled Papiss Cisse.

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