Newcastle United’s summer rebuild has largely focused on younger talent, but the Magpies still have some obvious questions to answer in defense before the Sept. 1 transfer deadline arrives.
Center-backs Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34 and nearing the end of their careers. Once-promising Sven Botman seems to have reached — or be already past — his peak and has struggled to rediscover his best form following his injury problems of late. Newcastle still has Malick Thiaw among its best options in the center
of the defense, but having another established center back around wouldn’t hurt.
According to TEAMtalk, citing German outlet Fussball Daten, Newcastle is now among a few Premier League clubs interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, alongside Big Six members Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“Premier League clubs are ‘leading the race’ to sign Tapsoba, with United, Spurs and Newcastle his main suitors,” TEAMtalk reported. “Leverkusen are aware of the interest and have given the 27-year-old a €50million (£43m) price tag.”
Despite his contract running through 2031, Leverkusen is reportedly prepared to entertain offers for the 27-year-old worth around €50 million (£43 million).
Tapsoba has been linked with Newcastle repeatedly over the past three years, but the latest development could provide the Magpies with their clearest opportunity yet to actually pursue a transfer.
“For Premier League clubs seeking a defender who can build up play at high tempo and cover large areas, Tapsoba would be a tailor-made solution,” Fussball Daten’s Ekrem Konur wrote. “His passing ability could immediately benefit a team, particularly those looking to increase their possession dominance. Newcastle, in particular, see him as a potential leader in defense, who could bring added quality and depth to the back line.”
Chronicle Live confirmed on Monday that Leverkusen is willing to listen to offers for around the same fee first reported by Fussball Daten, citing €49 million (£42 million).
“It has been a case of always the bridesmaid and never the bride for Tapsoba at Newcastle United, with the club linked with a move for the 27-year-old for the best part of the past three years,” Chronicle Live reported.
Tapsoba would also represent a different type of acquisition from most of Newcastle’s this summer, as he’s already an established top-flight player with 28 Bundesliga appearances to his name during Leverkusen’s unbeaten 2023-24 title-winning campaign, followed by back-to-back 29-game seasons the last two years.
There is no indication yet that Newcastle has submitted an offer for Tapsoba, but with Leverkusen apparently willing to negotiate, one of Newcastle’s recurring defensive targets is seemingly attainable this time around.
Would Tapsoba for around £42 million be a good deal for Newcastle, or should the Magpies prioritize another position or player before deadline day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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