Newcastle eyeing €30m Sevilla star as transfer link returns from Spanish media
After a lack of first-team additions in 2024, we're all hoping that Newcastle United recruit a right-winger and centre-back in 2025.
It's been a slow start to the window for most clubs, but Eddie Howe insists we'll be "ready" to act if the right player comes up at the right price - although a sale or two may be needed first before we can sign.
With Lens' Abdukodir Khusanov set to join Man City and Marc Guehi tipped to join Chelsea, another central defender has been linked (not for the first time) in recent days.
Newcastle eyeing French centre-back?
Not for the first time, the Spanish media have named Newcastle United as a potential destination for Sevilla star Loic Bade.
According to Spanish paper AS, both Newcastle and Liverpool are interesting in signing the centre-back following his impressive displays in La Liga.
They report that a Premier League move is on the cards an that Newcastle are monitoring the 24-year-old closely, while Liverpool may see the 6ft 3' Frenchman as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The defender signed an extension until 2029 in September and AS report that a €60m release clause now exists in his new deal. However, it's thought a cash-strapped Sevilla could allow him to leave for €25-30m this month.
If true, it could be a potential bargain on Paul Mitchell's radar, with Bade receiving high praise in an otherwise tough season for Sevilla, displaying an impressive mix of pace, athleticism and quality on the ball.
This isn't the first time Bade has been linked, with the Spanish press claiming that Newcastle are 'big admirers' of the former Nottingham Forest man back in November.
Sevilla refuse to rule out move
Sevilla manager García Pimienta has done little to rule out a move for Badé, admitting that the club won't "close its doors" to any outgoing.
“That shows you the potential that Sevilla has. Badé, who is international with France and Juanlu, Olympic champion. If they end up leaving, which I hope not, we must replace them,” he said.
“The sports management informed me that Sevilla doesn’t close its doors to anything and that they’ll be in a position to replace whoever comes out.”
“If a player has to leave, another will come. I would like them to stay, but if they leave, it will be solved with guaranteed players.”
Hardly a message that suggests he's not for sale, so this could be a mid-season opportunity for Newcastle if he really is a target and available at €25-30m; almost half the figure we were offering for Marc Guehi just a few months ago.
