Over the past few months, it’s become increasingly clear that Newcastle are likely to pursue a goalkeeper this summer.
Nick Pope reminded us all on Sunday what a superb shot-stopper he is, making two vital saves to deny Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, but his awkwardness with the ball at his feet have limited our ability to play out from the back,
All eyes have been on a seemingly imminent summer bid for James Trafford, although it remains to be seen if Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League will complicate matters there.
With that in mind, it’s interesting to see a new name has been linked with a potential summer move to St James’ Park today, this time via the French media.
It looks like Yahia Fofana may be the latest goalkeeper on Newcastle United’s radar heading into a huge summer on Tyneside.
According to [L’Équipe](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Auteur-d-une-saison-remarquee-avec-angers-yahia-fofana-est-courtise-par-plusieurs-clubs-anglais/1561584), Newcastle have been in contact with Angers over a potential deal, submitting an enquiry over the 24-year-old stopper’s availability two weeks ago.
Fofana is Ivory Coast’s No 1 and has been one of the standout goalkeepers in Ligue 1 this season, playing ever minute for Angers as his heroics helped keep them in the French top flight.
L’Equipe report that Southampton and Serie A side Torino have also been tracking the Paris-born Ivorian, who is thought to be available for just €8-10m.
Statistically, only Stade Reims’ Yehvann Diouf has posted better numbers than 6ft 4′ Fofana over the 2024/25 season.
In an ideal world and if money was no object, Newcastle would have the freedom to spend big on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, right-winger and striker this summer.
Hypothetically speaking, that could mean moves for James Trafford, Marc Guehi, Bryan Mbeumo and Liam Delap, but all four would likely cost in excess of £160m.
We don’t know what Eddie Howe’s budget will be this summer, although a recent piece from The Telegraph suggested that a £60m-plus move for Mbeumo is not straightforward as we’d have to consider what funds would then be left to sign a goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.
With that in mind, perhaps Newcastle and Paul Mitchell will look to sign one or two lesser-known gems at smaller fees – much like Fofana – alongside some proven stars such as Mbeumo?
Mitchell will know Ligue 1 well following his time at Monaco and Fofana may be a player he’s keeping a close eye on, especially if he’s now available at a fraction of the price Trafford would demand after promotion.