BREAKING: Newcastle looking to complete signing of “magic” Pope successor this summer
Newcastle United is reportedly keen on securing the acquisition of a “magical” player during the upcoming summer transfer window. The potential deal is anticipated to involve a transfer fee of less than £5 million.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies may undergo significant changes to their team once the disappointing season concludes in May. There appears to be a necessity for reinforcements across various positions on the field. With long-term injuries affecting key defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, bolstering the defensive lineup is crucial, not only in the center but also at full-back, given the advancing ages of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, who are now 33 and 31 years old, respectively.
Recent reports suggest that Newcastle has shown interest in securing the services of Real Sociedad’s center-back Robin Le Normand. However, they face tough competition from Napoli, who may outbid them by offering a mere £1.7 million more than the Magpies. Speculations also connect Newcastle with Sporting CP’s duo Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, as it seems the Portuguese club is preparing for the potential departure of at least one of these promising defensive talents.
Turning attention away from defense, Newcastle has identified Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra as a summer target. Guerra has been compared to the legendary Xabi Alonso. Additionally, there are talks of Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale potentially joining St James’ Park, which would bring healthy competition for current goalkeeper Nick Pope. Eddie Howe, having previously worked with Ramsdale at Bournemouth, is familiar with the player’s capabilities.
Newcastle want to sign “magic” shot-stopper
Newcastle’s interest in signing Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng this summer has been reported by The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath and John Percy. It’s noted that Middlesbrough is looking to sell him for double the £2m they paid for him in 2023.
Dieng, who is 29 years old, has reportedly attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, with Championship leaders Ipswich Town also showing interest.
Should Newcastle opt not to pursue Ramsdale this summer, Dieng could emerge as an astute backup option to Pope. However, having all three goalkeepers in Howe’s squad might seem excessive.
Dieng brings substantial experience to the table, having made 145 appearances in the Championship and earning five caps for Senegal at the international level. His notable moment includes scoring a late equalizer for QPR against Sunderland in the 2022/23 season, a feat lauded by former manager Michael Beale. Beale praised Dieng’s modesty and highlighted the significance of his achievement, being the first goalkeeper to score for QPR.
Given Newcastle’s stature as one of the Premier League’s top clubs, Dieng would likely view a move to St James’ Park favorably. He might also be content with playing second fiddle to Pope initially, while actively pushing for playing time and understanding his role in the squad.