Newcastle United hold talks over £59m Chelsea target — agent due in England for face-to-face meeting
The Magpies have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund’s commanding goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, marking a potential shift in their summer transfer strategy as they seek a long-term successor to Nick Pope.
The Switzerland international has emerged as a surprise target for Newcastle, with reports indicating the club have already initiated contact with the player’s representatives ahead of a possible move.
At 27, Kobel represents the ideal profile for Newcastle’s evolving needs between the posts – experienced enough to command immediate respect yet young enough to anchor their goal for the better part of a decade.
His credentials speak volumes: two Bundesliga Team of the Season inclusions and a place in last year’s Champions League Team of the Tournament after guiding Dortmund to the final.
The Swiss shot-stopper notably kept clean sheets in both group stage matches against Newcastle during that European campaign, showcasing the caliber that has attracted elite suitors.
Kobel’s potential availability stems from Dortmund’s proactive planning – the German giants have already secured Ajax’s Diant Ramaj as his apparent replacement.
This foresight suggests a summer departure is increasingly likely, with Foot Mercato reporting Chelsea stand ready with a £59 million offer. Newcastle’s interest, while concrete, may need to accelerate if they hope to outmaneuver their London rivals in what promises to be one of the summer’s more intriguing goalkeeper sagas.
The pursuit of Kobel doesn’t entirely eclipse Newcastle’s long-standing interest in Burnley’s James Trafford, however. The 22-year-old England international enjoyed a record-breaking Championship campaign, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 15 goals during the Clarets’ promotion charge.
Trafford’s remarkable 12-match streak without conceding between December and March, coupled with his double penalty save heroics against Sunderland, have only enhanced his reputation.
Yet Burnley’s return to the Premier League complicates matters. Where last summer’s £16 million bid might have sufficed, Vincent Kompany’s side now hold significantly stronger negotiating leverage.
Fabrizio Romano maintains the “verbal pact” between Trafford and Newcastle remains valid, but the Magpies face paying a premium for a goalkeeper with just one season of top-flight experience compared to Kobel’s proven pedigree at the highest level.
Newcastle’s goalkeeping department stands at a crossroads this summer. While Pope remains first-choice, his advancing years (33) and the uncertain futures of Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos necessitate proactive planning.
Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy’s contracts expire soon, though neither are viewed as genuine contenders for the starting role. Kobel’s superior distribution skills – a crucial attribute in Eddie Howe’s system – may ultimately give him the edge over Trafford in Newcastle’s considerations.
The coming weeks will prove pivotal in determining Newcastle’s direction. Kobel’s representatives are expected in London imminently for talks with interested parties, presenting Newcastle’s hierarchy with an opportunity to make their case.
Should they opt for the Swiss international, it would represent a significant statement of intent – securing a goalkeeper accustomed to Champions League football as they potentially return to Europe’s elite competition.
Alternatively, persisting with their Trafford pursuit would signal faith in developing elite English talent, albeit with greater short-term risk.
Whatever path they choose, Newcastle’s goalkeeper search highlights their evolving recruitment strategy – no longer content with stopgap solutions, but rather seeking foundational pieces capable of growing with their ambitious project.
As the summer window approaches, one thing is certain: Newcastle’s goalmouth will have a new guardian next season. Whether it’s Kobel’s commanding presence or Trafford’s prodigious potential remains the pressing question facing the Magpies’ decision-makers.