· 22 May 2025, 10:30
**Newcastle United are casting a wide net in their hunt for new additions to the squad this summer, with a huge season involving European football to look forward to.**
There are a few key positions that need strengthening this summer, but Paul Mitchell wouldn't be doing his job right if he just stopped there, especially after three transfer windows with little to no business.
The Magpies have been recruiting well when it comes to young players, but the summer is all about improving the first team, not just the starting XI.
Which is where the latest player to be linked with a move to Tyneside comes in.
Newcastle have been watching Ibrahim Sory Bangoura this season
Newcastle are looking for cost effective options to stack the midfield ranks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-scout-6ft-3in-31692764) have reported that Newcastle are casting their eye over 21-year-old defensive midfielder Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, who plays for Belgian side Genk.
Newcastle be set to part with Sean Longstaff and potentially even Joe Willock, so finding another midfielder to serve as backup for the main trio could be vital.
The report suggests that Bangoura could be available for just £18 million, which makes it a reasonable deal to do, especially if he's being identified as a player who can improve with the Eddie Howe magic touch.
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura could be Newcastle's new Cheick Tiote
------------------------------------------------------------
Bangoura certainly wouldn't be one to go straight into the starting XI, perhaps not even straight into the matchday squad, but he could be one for the future, being described as a 'hidden gem'.
He could be our next Cheick Tiote, as we've not really had a defensive midfielder like the late, great Tiote for a while. Joelinton could do that job, but he likes to get forward too.
Bangoura is purely a defensive midfielder and will sit in that pocket between defence and midfield rather than supporting the attack, as evidenced by his lack of goal contributions for Genk this season. Attacking is not his forte.
It's an interesting one, worth keeping an eye on we reckon.