Newcastle United ‘interested’ in signing £86m defender | OneFootball

Howe Prioritising Defence Amid Champions League Return

Newcastle United have shown an interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, with the Bundesliga side braced for potential approaches this summer. While no formal offer has been made, the Premier League club are actively assessing defensive options to strengthen ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign that includes Champions League football.

Eddie Howe’s side secured a fifth-place Premier League finish last season, earning their place in Europe’s top-tier competition. Their progress was accompanied by domestic success, most notably a Carabao Cup win over Liverpool. However, that high point masked a pressing concern — defensive fragility.

Injuries plagued the core of Newcastle’s backline. Sven Botman missed 13 matches due to consecutive knee issues, while Jamaal Lascelles was sidelined for the entire season with a cruciate ligament injury. Lewis Hall also missed 13 games, leaving Howe’s options stretched across key fixtures.

With European commitments set to add at least eight more matches — possibly more depending on their league phase progress — the Magpies’ recruitment strategy appears centred around fortifying their defensive depth.

Ageing Core Forces Recruitment Focus

The situation is further complicated by the age profile of Newcastle’s defensive unit. Kieran Trippier (34), Fabian Schär (33), Dan Burn (33), Lascelles (31), and Emil Krafth (30) represent an increasingly experienced — but ageing — spine at the back.

While experience is often an asset, particularly in high-pressure European ties, it does bring long-term sustainability into question. The recruitment team is understood to be keen on injecting youth and athleticism into the squad — traits that align well with the 26-year-old Tapsoba’s profile.

Transfer Hurdle in Tapsoba Pursuit

Reports on CaughtOffside indicate that Newcastle’s interest in Tapsoba is genuine, but early stages. Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk has confirmed that the Premier League side are among those monitoring the Leverkusen centre-back.

However, a release clause of €100 million (£86.2 million) is proving to be a major obstacle. There is currently no indication that Newcastle are willing to meet that valuation. Internally, Leverkusen are reportedly firm in their stance that they will not accept a lower fee — a position that might deter suitors unless compromise terms can be negotiated.

While the Magpies are not thought to be under immediate pressure from Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), there is understandable caution about allocating such a significant portion of the summer budget to a single player.

Strategic Spending Likely to Prevail

Newcastle’s ambitions for the upcoming season are clear: progress in Europe without sacrificing domestic competitiveness. But to achieve that, the club are more likely to spread funds across multiple positions.

Tapsoba remains on the radar, but unless Leverkusen reconsider their valuation or the player agitates for a move, a deal appears unlikely under the current terms. Newcastle will continue to explore alternatives as they aim to reinforce their backline with a balance of quality, experience, and longevity.