Newcastle United already have two Germans in their squad after signing Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw last summer.
Newcastle United are reportedly one of five clubs in the race to sign young Werder Bremen centre-back Karim Coulibaly.
Changes are expected in the defence this summer. Kieran Trippier has announced he will leave the club at the end of his contract in June, while Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are also out of contract as it stands.
The Magpies are braced for interest in Tino Livramento, who has been heavily linked with Manchester City. But as well as potential departures, there is also a need to bring down the average age with Dan Burn turning 34 and Schar turning 35 this year.
Newcastle United ‘in the race’ to sign Karim Coulibaly
Coulibaly, 18, has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most sought-after young defenders following a breakthrough campaign, making 22 appearances for Bremen in total.
Reports in Germany say Newcastle, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Napoli are all keen on making a summer move.
Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Big race started to sign Werder Bremen 18 year old centre back Karim Coulibaly in the summer. Newcastle are involved as BILD reported with 5 more clubs around Europe also very keen.
“German youth international, prepared for a new chapter in the summer.”
As a fellow German, United could upon the help of Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw in convincing Coulibaly to make the move to Tyneside.
Werder Bremen respond to Karim Coulibaly speculation
Bremen are aware of the interest in Coulibaly. Their sporting director, Clemens Fritz, spoke publicly last month.
“That interest is not a surprise,” said Fritz. “We are talking about an 18-year-old left-footed central defender who is an undisputed starter in the Bundesliga.
"He is attracting interest. He is very clear-headed. Very focused and determined, and that is exactly what we need right now."
However, head of first-team football Peter Niemeyer insists there are no guarantees that the defender will leave in the coming months.
“We are aware that there is movement regarding this personnel matter, but there is currently no indication of what the next steps might be or whether this will already happen in the summer,” Niemeyer told Kicker.
“It is, of course, clear that a player with this profile attracts great interest and a lot of attention.”
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