Newcastle United had been linked with Gregor Kobel before signing Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek.
Gregor Kobel has insisted he was always happy at Borussia Dortmund despite the Newcastle United speculation.
It was no secret that the Magpies were in the market for a goalkeeper in the summer. Ultimately, two arrived, with Ewen Jaouen currently playing second fiddle to Lukas Hornicek.
Long-serving goalie Nick Pope remains on the books to keep Newcastle well-stocked between the sticks. However, before Jaouen and Hornicek joined, the Magpies had shortlisted Kobel.
Newcastle United and Gregor Kobel
The Swiss international is one of the top goalkeepers in the Bundesliga and kept two clean sheets against Newcastle during the 2023-24 Champions League campaign. His contract expires in 2028 but Dortmund placed a steep £50million price tag on their asset.
At 28, Kobel is not old for his position but Toon chiefs opted for a younger profile, signing two keepers for less than their valuation. The German giants sit top of the league after four games and are keen to tie the shot-stopper down on improved terms.
‘I don’t pay attention’ - Gregor Kobel
Speaking to Bild, Kobel expressed his desire to stay at Dortmund while discussing the summer speculation. He said: “Honestly, I don’t pay any attention to rumours at all. I’m 100 per cent focused on BVB. Everything else is a distraction. Leaving last summer was absolutely not an issue for me.
“I’m extremely happy at BVB, I really enjoy playing for this club and in front of these fans. Of course, I can very well imagine playing here for a long time to come. He (Niko Kovac, Dortmund manager) has brought a clear structure and culture here, which is the foundation for our success.
“In a team, there are many cultures and different languages. You have to find a common foundation, a shared path. And Niko has clearly made sure of that.”