Newcastle United have reportedly submitted a £43m bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, according to Africa Foot.
The Magpies are likely to strengthen heavily in the coming weeks and months after securing qualification for the Champions League during the 2024/2025 season. Eddie Howe's side are yet to confirm a new addition for their first-team squad, but they've been linked with a host of players as they aim to bring in reinforcements.
Adding a new centre-back appears to be one of Newcastle's major priorities for the summer transfer window. Journalist Luke Edwards previously claimed that Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was a target for the Magpies, while they are now looking to bring in Tapsoba, who has been described as a 'superstar' Africa Soccer Zone, for Howe.
Newcastle Submit £43m Bid to Sign Edmond Tapsoba
They've been scouting him for two seasons
Edmond Tapsoba
According to a report from Africa Foot, Newcastle have submitted a £43m bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba, with discussions under way this week between the two clubs. It remains to be seen whether the offer is enough to tempt the Bundesliga outfit to part ways, but they do plan on making him one of the pillars of their defence next season.
Edmond Tapsoba - 2024/2025 Bayer Leverkusen Stats
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It's claimed that Newcastle have been scouting Tapsoba for the last two seasons and have previously shown an interest in securing his signature. With Guehi attracting interest from a host of different clubs, Newcastle could be eyeing Tapsoba as an alternative to the England international.
Tapsoba predominantly played in a back three due to Xabi Alonso's system at Leverkusen, which could give Howe an alternative system to deploy next term. Howe used a back three on the odd occasion during the 2024/2025 campaign, which could be a key reason behind his move to sign Tapsoba.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 01/07/2025