Exclusive: Newcastle expected to complete goalkeeper signing
Newcastle United have sent scouts to watch Yahia Fofana at Angers as they prepare to strengthen their goalkeeping options, sources have told Football Insider.
Eddie Howe is looking to bring in competition for Nick Pope at St. James’ Park this summer, and the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is seen as a keeper with “real potential” after strong displays in Ligue 1.
Fofana has the best shot-to-save ratio of any goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues, and sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle’s scouts have identified him as an alternative to their other targets.
The Magpies reneged on signing James Trafford last summer having thought he was too expensive, but Football Insider revealed on 10 April that Newcastle are readying another ‘concrete’ offer for Burnley.
Ex-Man United scout Mick Brown also told Football Insider that Aaron Ramsdale is “guaranteed” to exit Southampton this summer, with Newcastle one of the clubs keen to trigger his £25million release clause.
Yahia Fofana transfer the best fit for Newcastle
While Trafford remains on the Magpies’ radar ahead of the summer window, the England shot-stopper’s top form in their promotion push will make it very expensive for Newcastle to pry him away from Burnley.
Furthermore, Howe is one of several managers who will be looking at Ramsdale after Football Insider revealed that £25m release clause in his Southampton contract; an afforable fee for many clubs to pay.
Howe knows Ramsdale well following their time together at Bournemouth, but after suffering another relegation and being on the outer for England, both Fofana and Trafford are better long-term options.
Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle’s plan is for someone younger than Pope to provide cover and competition, and in terms of both expense and upward potential, Fofana may be their best bet.
Newcastle ready for significant summer of spending
With Champions League qualification well within their means and a major trophy added to the cabinet for the first time in 70 years, things are on the up and Newcastle want their transfer strategy to reflect that.
Football Insider revealed that a Champions League place could lock in the futures of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, but Howe won’t be satisfied with retentions, with additions needed.
Howe will be under pressure to deliver further success at St. James’ Park should he lead them back into Europe’s top tier, and having arguably the continent’s best goalkeeper in their ranks could certainly help those efforts for Newcastle.