Newcastle United’s recruitment strategy has increasingly centered on young players capable of developing into major long-term assets, and the club apparently explored another ambitious addition during the summer that might arrive in Tyneside during the next few months.
La Gazzetta dello Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, reported that Newcastle made an approach for Como attacker Assane Diao, with the Magpies prepared to spend more than €50 million (£43 million) on the 21-year-old before the Italian club
rejected the proposal.
TuttoMercatoWeb relayed Gazzetta’s reporting and revealed that Aston Villa also attempted to prise Diao away from Como.
“President Mirwan Suwarso has repelled the advances of Premier League clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa, who are prepared to shell out over €50 million for the star player,” TuttoMercatoWeb reported.
Como’s determination to keep Diao reflects his rapid development under Cesc Fabregas. The Senegal international originally joined Como from Real Betis for €12 million (£10.4 million) in January 2025 and scored eight times during his opening months in Serie A.
Diao’s progress was subsequently interrupted by significant injury problems, as he fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in April and required surgery, before further fitness issues disrupted his following campaign.
The firward has since returned to the spotlight, getting an assist against Napoli, two goals against Genoa and a goal against RB Leipzig on his Champions League debut in a rather impressive start to the new season.
As promising am option as the lad looks, the truth is that Como appears determined to build around him rather than cash in. With Argentina international Nico Paz’s future potentially far from Como thanks to Real Madrid’s €80 million (£69 million) buyback option, the Series A side reportedly views Diao as a potential cornerstone of its long-term project.
It’s believed the club is already considering extending his contract through 2031 to strengthen its position against future approaches.
For Newcastle, the reports indicate that, while the Magpies’ interest was substantial enough for a potential €50 million-plus investment, rather than merely a scouting exercise, it’s going to take a lot of convincing for Como to sanction a sale.
Would you like Newcastle to return with a bigger offer for Diao, or is more than €50 million already too much? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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