Newcastle in talks to sign Ousmane Diabate - Report
It's going to be a busy final fortnight of the summer transfer window at Newcastle United.
In an update last night, Keith Downie predicted a "crazy" finish, believing Newcastle will bring in at least three new signings as we look to bolster our midfield and attack following the £29.5m arrival of Amar Dedic on Tuesday.
After Turkish reports linked Newcastle with an unlikely bid for Galatasaray's Wilfried Singo just yesterday, we're now seeing news of a move for another Super Lig talent, as detailed below.
Diabate talks reported in Turkey
Newcastle are 'in talks' to land Gençlerbirliği sensation Ousmane Diabate, if the latest reports coming out of Turkey are to be believed.
This comes from Spor Depor reporter Resat Can Ozbudak, who claims that Newcastle are in discussions to sign the 18-year-old defensive midfielder, who has already been capped by Guinea.
After impressing in Gençlerbirliği's youth side, Diabate made eight senior appearances last season, gaining admirers from Brentford and Spurs.
The 6ft 1' midfielder just started in their opening Super Lig game of 2026/27, helping them to a 2-1 win over Turkish giants Fenerbahce on Saturday.
Another project signing?
Some may ask why we'd sign another young holding midfielder after recent moves for Aladji Bamba (20) and Sean Steur (18), so I'd understand if this story was initially met with caution.
But we also know that Ross Wilson has his eye on project players able to develop into future stars on Tyneside, highlighted by previous moves for 17-year-old Ecuadorian Johan Martinez and 19-year-old striker Afner Ca, who signed from Spanish side Levante last month.
The club has one eye on recruiting low-cost, high-potential talent, not just senior players ready to step into Matthias Jaissle's first-team plans. In the world of PSR and SCR, this is important.
Martinez has been spotted on Tyneside this week, visiting St James' Park for the first time with his team. The winger will remain at Independiente del Valle over the coming season, then link up with Newcastle once he turns 18 in May 2027.
