Exclusive: Newcastle, Wolves & Brentford scouting ‘Europe’s best goalkeeper’
Newcastle, Wolves and Brentford were among a host of clubs checking on Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana last weekend, sources have told Football Insider.
Scouts from the Premier League trio cast an eye over Ivory Coast international Fofana, 24, in last Friday’s clash at Paris Saint-Germain as he impressed against the Champions League contenders.
Fofana is regarded as one of the best young keepers in Europe and has the best post-shot expected goals (PSxG) record of any goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this term.
Legendary striker Didier Drogba is a big admirer of Fofana and convinced him to switch international allegiances from France to Ivory Coast.
Newcastle, Wolves and Brentford watch Drogba favourite
He was then instrumental in helping his country win the African Cup of Nations in 2024 – playing every minute in the tournament.
A number of Spanish, German and Italian clubs are also tracking Fofana – who is set to enter the final year of his contract at Angers this summer.
| Goalkeeper | PSxG (+/-) |
| Yahia Fofana (Angers, Ligue 1) | +8.05 |
| David de Gea (Fiorentina, Serie A) | +7.5 |
| Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid, La Liga) | +6.76 |
| Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga) | +6.72 |
| Alisson Becker (Liverpool, Premier League) | +5.5 |
| Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG, Ligue 1) | +5.52 |
| Mike Maignan (AC Milan, Serie A) | +5.52 |
The Paris-born shot-stopper could be available for around £15million in the summer transfer window.
Fofana has made 28 Ligue 1 appearances across all competitions this term, conceding 46 goals and keeping five clean sheets.
He joined Angers from Le Havre in 2022 and has already racked up 100 games in senior club football.
Major update on Newcastle’s Harvey Elliott pursuit
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed last week (4 April) that Newcastle aren’t willing to pay over the odds for Harvey Elliott as speculation grows over his Liverpool future.
Newcastle and some Bundesliga sides are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old across the rest of the season, but sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool still see Elliott as part of their long-term plan.
The Magpies will have to pay between £40million and £50million if they’re to sign the midfielder this summer.
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