Newcastle United have “joined the race” to sign Parma midfielder Mandela Keita, says Football Insider.
After missing out on Johan Manzambi, who looks set to join Aston Villa, Newcastle have been working on other targets – including Keita.
Parma are said to want around £21m for the 24-year-old Belgian international, whose contract runs until 2029.
Keita Seen As Potential Tonali Replacement
Keita joined Parma in 2024 for £10m from OH Leuven, and quickly established himself in the team.
Keita has been impressive for the Serie A club, making 37 league appearances last season, with one goal and one assist.
His strengths lie more in his defensive work, though, as he is seen as more of a midfield anchor than an attacker.
He made 160 defensive contributions last season, winning 62% of his duels, and making 154 recoveries.
His performances helped Parma keep 10 clean sheets.
He is a trophy winner, helping Royal Antwerp to a league and cup double in 2023.
Keita’s consistent performances have drawn Newcastle’s attention – but as always, other clubs are also interested.
Everton, Leeds United, and Aston Villa are all exploring the possibility of a deal. Newcastle have made inquiries, according to Italian outlet ParmaToday, but there is no official offer on the table yet.
Keita is seen as a replacement for Sandro Tonali. His steel would complement Sean Steur’s creativity nicely – if Newcastle could pull a deal off.
Reports in the iPaper suggest that Newcastle are not counting their chickens after recent experience. They are pursuing several midfield targets, including Brazilian international Danilo and Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Could There Be a Double Arrival From Parma?
Newcastle want another goalkeeper, and they could turn to Parma again for their No1 Zion Suzuki, according to Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider.
It is claimed that they will only go for Suzuki if they miss out on James Trafford, whose future at Manchester City won’t be resolved until after the World Cup.
O’Rourke says that Parma will “listen to offers” for the 23-year-old Japanese international, who is valued at €20m (£17m) on Transfermarkt.
Newcastle need to add an experienced goalkeeper. Nick Pope is likely to leave if the Magpies receive a decent offer, which would leave Ewen Jaouen as the senior goalkeeper.
It is understood that Newcastle see Jaouen as a future No1, and were planning to use him as backup this season.
But if they don’t manage to sign anyone before the start of the season, the young Frenchman will make his Toon bow against Liverpool.
Photo of Caroline Dowse
Caroline Dowse
Caroline is the Newcastle United writer for Vital Football. She has a BA in English with Creative Writing from University Centre Peterborough, and a year's sports writing experience. Her favourite current Newcastle player is Bruno Guimaraes, favourite of all time is Alan Shearer. Her best Toon moment was the Carabao…