Over the past few months, it’s become increasingly clear that Newcastle are likely to pursue a goalkeeper this summer.
Nick Pope reminded us all on Sunday what a superb shot-stopper he is, making two vital saves to deny Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez, but his awkwardness with the ball at his feet have limited our ability to play out from the back,
All eyes have been on a seemingly imminent summer bid for James Trafford, although it remains to be seen if Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League will complicate matters there.
With that in mind, it’s interesting to see a new name has been linked with a potential summer move to St James’ Park today, this time via the French media.
Toon eyeing Angers star?
It looks like Yahia Fofana may be the latest goalkeeper on Newcastle United’s radar heading into a huge summer on Tyneside.
According to L’Équipe, Newcastle have been in contact with Angers over a potential deal, submitting an enquiry over the 24-year-old stopper’s availability two weeks ago.
Fofana is Ivory Coast’s No 1 and has been one of the standout goalkeepers in Ligue 1 this season, playing ever minute for Angers as his heroics helped keep them in the French top flight.
L’Equipe report that Southampton and Serie A side Torino have also been tracking the Paris-born Ivorian, who is thought to be available for just €8-10m.
Statistically, only Stade Reims’ Yehvann Diouf has posted better numbers than 6ft 4′ Fofana over the 2024/25 season.
Bargain needed in amongst big-money buys?
In an ideal world and if money was no object, Newcastle would have the freedom to spend big on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, right-winger and striker this summer.
Hypothetically speaking, that could mean moves for James Trafford, Marc Guehi, Bryan Mbeumo and Liam Delap, but all four would likely cost in excess of £160m.
We don’t know what Eddie Howe’s budget will be this summer, although a recent piece from The Telegraph suggested that a £60m-plus move for Mbeumo is not straightforward as we’d have to consider what funds would then be left to sign a goalkeeper, centre-back and striker.
With that in mind, perhaps Newcastle and Paul Mitchell will look to sign one or two lesser-known gems at smaller fees – much like Fofana – alongside some proven stars such as Mbeumo?
Mitchell will know Ligue 1 well following his time at Monaco and Fofana may be a player he’s keeping a close eye on, especially if he’s now available at a fraction of the price Trafford would demand after promotion.
Yet Sky claim that given CL next season the Budget will be £300m. So believe who you like.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Sounds like a back up keeper to me.
Not sold on Delap either. If he’s demanding huge wages & expecting to be first choice then he’s not for me
Sharpy17(Quote)
I appreciate that you have to remain active on here Olly,but this is yet another load of guesswork,full of ifs, buts and maybes. It does little other than keep the wheels of speculation turning. Should we look forward to some of your guesswork proving to be correct,whereupon you can claim some access to inside information or that you are in fact clairvoyant ?
Tommy Tantrum(Quote)
Where in this am I claiming to have revealed this news?
It’s come from L’Equipe, one of France’s largest publications, which is clearly stated in the piece.
Not saying you have to believe it, but I’m not sure why you’re suggesting I’m making things up.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly your not making things up your just repeating what the legacy media makes up ..
Mike(Quote)
If we didn’t share a single transfer link from the media in fear of it being untrue, we’d not post much during the summer/January windows.
We share what’s being reported – whether it be true or false – and give our opinion on it.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Yahia Fofana seems like a promising addition, especially given his standout performances in Ligue 1 this season. At €8-10m, he could be a cost-effective solution to bolster our goalkeeping options. With his experience as Ivory Coast’s No. 1, he brings both talent and international exposure. Hoping the club sees the potential here and makes a decisive move!
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Thanks for the update on Newcastle’s transfer plans. It’s interesting to hear they’re looking for a goalkeeper this summer, and the link to an Ivory Coast international adds an exciting international angle to their search.
Nano Banana Pro(Quote)
Interesting to see Newcastle looking at a new goalkeeper option from Ivory Coast. Pope’s saves are great, but his footwork issues make sense for exploring other targets like Trafford or this new link.
Pictro.ai(Quote)
Interesting update on Newcastle’s goalkeeper search! It’s smart they’re looking at options beyond Trafford, especially with Pope’s distribution issues. The Ivory Coast link is a new twist. Thanks for sharing!
ai song maker(Quote)
Interesting update on Newcastle’s goalkeeper search! It’s good to see them exploring options beyond James Trafford, and the mention of Nick Pope’s strengths and weaknesses adds useful context. Looking forward to seeing who they sign this summer.
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