The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies prepare for the summer transfer window.
Newcastle United are reportedly in talks over a move for one of German football’s brightest prospects.
As per BuliNews, German outlet Bild have claimed Newcastle are one of four clubs to show ‘concrete interest’ in Germany Under-19 centre back Karim Coulibaly. At the age of just 18, the youngster has now established himself in the starting eleven at Bundesliga club Werder Bremen and has made 22 appearances in all competitions throughout the campaign as Daniel Thioune’s side look to remain in German football’s top flight.
A bright prospect targeted by Newcastle United
After featuring within the youth ranks at Hamburg, Coulibaly joined Werder’s academy setup in 2024 and signed his first professional contract last summer before making a senior debut as a substitute in a 4-1 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt on the first day of the Bundesliga season. A first start came in a 3-3 draw with Bayer Leverkusen seven days later and Coulibaly has continued to earn the trust of his head coach by becoming a regular feature of his side over the following months.
Speaking ahead of handing a full debut to Coulibaly, Thioune expressed his excitement over his potential and ability, saying: “We have great confidence in Karim. He is a very good player who is now set to make his starting debut. He is good in one-on-one situations and has a decent height. His build-up play is also outstanding. He is already very composed for his young age. He didn’t let himself get stressed during pre-season and always found solutions. I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
Still under contract until the summer of 2029, Coulibaly is now said to be attracting attention from Newcastle, Chelsea, Marseille and Napoli and talk have ‘already taken place’ according to the report - although there is also confirmation no official bids have been submitted for a player Werder value at around €45 million, which is around £39 million based on current exchange rates.
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Uncertainty over defenders at NUFC
Newcastle are believed to be in the market for another centre-back this summer having offloaded Jamaal Lascelles in January and with a decision still yet to be taken on a new contract for Fabian Schar as his existing deal comes to a close this summer.
Dan Burn will also enter the final 12 months of his current Magpies deal at the end of the season and there is believed to be a desire to add another young defender to the ranks before the new season gets underway.
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