Newcastle sign French teenager Olivier Kemen

Olivier Kemen

Continuing with their policy to scout for talent in France, Newcastle United are set to confirm the signing of French U17 International Olivier Kemen. Kemen updated his twitter account confirming the same. His tweet reads, “Yes I signed to newcastle, thanks for all your message is very nice”.

16-year-old Kemen is an attacking midfielder who plays for Ligue 2 club Metz and can operate on either flank as a winger, as a number 10, or can play alongside someone up top.

Born in Cameroon, Kemen started his career in La Garenne-Colombes aged 8. Aged 14, he went to the Elite 14 in AC Boulogne Billancourt (ACBB) from where he was recruited by Metz, and that is where he has been till now.

The midfielder is a strong athletic powerful player who likes to make good use of the ball. Alex Song of Barcelona and formerly of Arsenal is an idol of Kemen.

A youth international, Kemen has represented France u17 side three times and u16 side six times. His last appearance for U17s was against Greece in a 2-2 draw.

The player has agreed a deal with the Magpies and the compensation now needs to be agreed upon between the clubs. Given the fact the player is highly rated in France, the compensation could be between €400k-€1m, which is pretty steep for a teenager.