Olympique de Marseilles striker Michy Batshuayi has extended his contract at the Stade Vélodrome until 2020, all but ruling out the prospect of him making a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window. The Belgian international, 22, has been linked with a host of clubs in the last two years following a real rich vein of form in the French Ligue 1 and Belgian Jupiler Pro League, but reportedly wants to ensure of his place in the Belgium national team squad for Euro 2016 by playing regularly for Marseilles this season.
Boasting pace and power while having real composure in front of goal, Michy Batshuayi is fast making a name for himself. He was signed from Belgian club Standard Liege in 2014, after having scored 18 league goals in 29 games. He took his time to settle in his first season in France, but has been in fantastic form this campaign, scoring 11 goals in 19 outings. Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace were three sides reportedly keen in his signature, but they are now likely to pursue other targets due to his contract extension.
Michy Batshuayi’s decision to stay at the Stade Velodrome is brilliant news for Marseilles and the supporters, but the talented striker is sure to garner a large asking price in the coming years if he can continue his development with L’OM. He’s still only 22 and has time on his side before considering a move to a European giant, but a good European Championships with Belgium could well dee his stock rise considerably. Batshuayi is expected to make the squad alongside Divock Origi, Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku in the attack, and a good summer with the Red Devils could be career-changing.
The young forward certainly has all the hallmarks to be a prolific European striker, already showcasing fantastic strength in possession to brush off defenders, as well as clever off-the-ball movement to work himself an opening. He can score goals with his head, and makes lung busting runs to the near post to be the welcome recipient of tap-ins from close range. Batshuayi could perhaps benefit further playing for a side that create more chances of their forwards, but he’s embracing the expectation on his shoulders this season, and clearly has his feet on the ground in regard to deciding his short-term future.
Could a good European Championships with Belgium see Michy Batshuayi finally move to the Premier League in the summer?
