Newcastle United continues to explore midfield options to strengthen the team either next transfer window or in the summer, with Matthias Jaissle’s squad increasingly built around young players who can develop while contributing at first-team level.
According to Fussball News’ Vjekoslav Keskic, Newcastle is closely monitoring Monaco midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly. Brentford, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the 22-year-old, although none of the four clubs has submitted a formal offer
yet.
The left-footed France Under-21 international primarily operates in central midfield but can also play on the right. He’s good at taking the ball from opponents, carrying it forward vertically and providing a physical presence across different roles in the midfield strata.
Any potential move, however, would be complicated by Monaco’s stance.
Coulibaly is under contract until June 2028, and the Ligue 1 club has already begun discussions over an extension through 2030. Keskic reported that Monaco currently has no intention of selling and would only reconsider for an exceptionally strong offer.
If negotiations did develop, Monaco is expected to demand between €35 million and €40 million, potentially alongside bonuses and a sell-on clause.
Fitness is a major factor Newcastle and the other interested clubs are monitoring, although it could lower his price. Coulibaly previously recovered from a serious cruciate ligament injury and is currently working his way back from a quadriceps problem suffered in September, which might take some negotiating leverage from Monaco.
Keskic reported that exploratory discussions could take place ahead of January, but a winter transfer currently appears unlikely. Coulibaly is also understood to be open to remaining at Monaco and extending his contract.
Would Coulibaly be worth pursuing at €35-40 million, or should Newcastle target a midfielder with fewer injury concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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