Eddie Howe did a good job at Newcastle United, guiding them to the UEFA Champions League twice and winning the EFL Cup, as well as reaching another final.
However, last season increased the pressure on Howe, who departed midway through pre-season and was replaced by Matthias Jaissle.
UK ONLY
Jaissle previously led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League titles after leaving Red Bull Salzburg as one of Europe’s highly rated young coaches.
Newcastle finished in the bottom half of the Premier League last season, closer to the relegation places than the top five, while Brighton secured European football with just 53 points.
The Magpies will begin their new Premier League campaign against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday and are keen to strengthen their squad.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Guinea midfielder Ousmane Diabate from Turkish side Gençlerbirligi.
Romano posted on X: “Newcastle have agreed deal to sign Ousmane Diabate from Turkish side Gençlerbirligi. 18 year old midfielder picked #NUFC project over three more proposals from European clubs, staying at Gençlerbirligi on loan.”
Diabate, who turns 19 next month, has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year and emerged as one of Turkish football’s most promising young midfielders.
After developing at Academie SOAR in Guinea, he impressed at Genclerbirligi with his tactical intelligence, physicality and composure. His performances also earned him a senior international debut for Guinea.
Tottenham and Brentford had been monitoring Diabate, but Newcastle moved quickly to agree a deal with Genclerbirligi.
The Magpies are willing to loan him back to the Turkish club for the 2026-27 season, allowing him to continue developing with regular first-team football.
Diabate played a key role in Genclerbirligi’s run to last season’s Turkish Cup final and started their shock 2-1 win over Fenerbahce on the opening day.
Newcastle are also pursuing further midfield reinforcements, with talks ongoing with Manchester City over Nico Gonzalez.