Aladji Bamba's eyeopening full stats revealed as he finalises Newcastle move

Newcastle United are set to make another addition to the midfield in the form of Monaco's Aladji Bamba.

Eddie Howe has already welcomed Sean Steur from Ajax, as well as signing Bazoumana Toure for the left wing, ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

With Sandro Tonali's move to Tottenham Hotspur and Bruno Guimaraes increasingly likely to join Arsenal, the Magpies are desperate for reinforcements.

That is evident in Newcastle's eagerness to splash £35million on a 20-year-old midfielder who made just 10 starts in Ligue 1 last term.

Sources say Bamba arrived on a private jet earlier on Thursday before heading to Newcastle to finalise terms and undergo a medical.

Bamba had only broken through to the first team in 2025-26, having been viewed as a player for the future when signing his professional contract in 2024.

Aladji Bamba ready to bring huge presence to St James' Park

The France youth international has clearly made quite the impact in his 25 total first-team appearances, especially for Newcastle to sign him for so much.

He comes from an academy that produced stars, such as Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Maghnes Akliouche, so there's plenty of excitement around him.

And for those wondering, Bamba is a ball-winning specialist, makes progression from deep areas, and is an all-round no-nonsense defensive midfielder.

In 2023, he was part of a Monaco youth team that won the Gambardella Cup, France's version of the FA Youth Cup, which is often a sign of a gem's talent in Ligue 1.

At six feet and four inches, the 20-year-old is already very physically imposing, and will add a huge presence to the centre of the park next season.

What do the stats say about Bamba's 2025-26 season?

Bamba's attacking stats in Ligue 1 last season were few and far between, even with two assists to his name in 18 games.

However, he excelled everywhere else on the pitch, completing 70 per cent of his dribbles, winning 54.7 per cent of his duels, and winning 18 fouls [FotMob].

The youngster ranked in the top five per cent for tackles won per 90, as well as the top 25 per cent for recoveries made per 90.

He was absolutely everywhere, not afraid to put in a challenge or take control of possession when called upon. Newcastle appear to be signing a very confident youngster.

Of course, being thrown into the Premier League is an entirely different prospect, but Howe needs players he can depend on to deliver in their specialist position.

Bamba is exactly that, even if his experience is only limited to the 2025-26 season.