Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet has opened up about his proposed summer move to Newcastle United and hinted that he hopes to still play in the Premier League in the future.
The Belgian midfielder was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park in the summer, with the Magpies reportedly ready to activate the 23-year-old’s €25 million release clause.
However Praet – who has one cap for Belgium to his name – has revealed he wanted to stay in Serie A with his current club this summer, and would not have opted for a move away at this point in his career.
“I didn’t want to leave.” Praet told Belgian newspaper Humo.
“I thought something would have changed here, I thought the manager would have given me a new role. I love this club and the president is a special person. He has a great approach with footballers and that’s a huge difference compared to Anderlecht.”
The youngster only joined Sampdoria in the summer of 2016 in €10 million switch from Anderlecht, however he already has big ambitions for what looks set to be a promising career, and says he still has his eyes set on the Premier League.
“I know Sampdoria received some offers for me but I did not even talk with any other club as there was no agreement between them.” he said.
“I’ve never played in the Premier League but I’d be happy to go there one day.”
