The summer transfer window is proving to be another challenging one for Newcastle United with their latest disappointment summing up their situation
A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and RCD Espanyol at St James' Park on August 08, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Newcastle United are hoping to unveil some more new signings at St. James' Park(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
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Newcastle United were told transfer target Said El Mala was not interested in a move to St. James Park...by the ace's mother. The Magpies were linked with the 19-year-old Cologne ace this summer, but he now looks set to remain in Germany.
It's understood Eddie Howe's side moved onto signing Bazoumana Toure instead after El Mala's mother clearly told the club a move to the Toon does not interest them. Sabrina El Mala was the one who informed the club, on two occasions, that he will not become a Newcastle player this summer.
It's understood by BILD Sabrina turned down Newcastle in the spring and then again in June, after they tried to make another transfer pitch to the matriarch. She also stated El Mala will not move to England unless a 'very top tier club' makes an approach.
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It was at this moment focus turned towards Toure, who was at Hoffenheim at the time. The 20-year-old joins the club after making three appearances for the Ivory Coast in the World Cup.
Newcastle have been busy in the transfer market already, but the bulk of their work has been in the sales department rather than the buying. Before the World Cup, Anthony Gordon departed the club to join Barcelona in a deal worth more than £69.3m.
Sandro Tonali is also expected to move to Tottenham Hotspur after the Magpies accepted a deal worth an initial £92.5m as well as £7.5m in add-ons. While the exit door has been propped open for two of Newcastle's biggest stars, some players have been coming through the other way.
Ex-Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who is considered to be an exciting young player, was also signed before Toure's arrival. The pair are currently the only players to join the club this summer.
Said El Mala of 1.FC Koln is seen with team mates prior to the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln at BayArena on December 13, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany
Said El Mala's mother is believed to have told Newcastle they are not interested(Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller and Lamine Camara of Monaco have also been linked with Newcastle, although Santos now appears on the verge of signing for Manchester United.
One transfer boost Newcastle have received is the fact they have agreed a £23m plus £3m in add-ons deal for 18-year-old prodigy Sean Steur. It's understood the club have struck a deal with Ajax for his services and that a medical is set to be completed in the coming days.
Switzerland's Johan Manzambi (9) celebrates after scoring during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Manzambi has also been heavily linked with the club(Image: AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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This midfielder's arrival will help plug the hole left by Tonali. Johan Manzambi, another central midfielder who has three goals and two assists in four World Cup games for Switzerland, could also join the club The Athletic have claimed Newcastle will open negotiations with Freiburg for his signature.
The club are also doing their best to hang onto club captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, but Newcastle are insistent they will not part with him this summer.
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