PIF lodge Newcastle bid to sign £50m “monster”, it’d be a better signing than Trafford
Newcastle United’s ambitious rise under Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF has already delivered silverware, with the Magpies lifting the EFL Cup last season and securing a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.
That impressive campaign earned them a long-awaited return to the Champions League, a theme visibly celebrated in their recent third kit launch video.
As the club looks ahead to a season filled with European commitments, domestic ambition, and a growing sense of expectation, the emphasis on squad reinforcement has taken center stage. With new signings imminent, attention is now on two key areas: the defense and the goalkeeper position.
Newcastle appear poised to finalize a £40 million deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. While that move suggests a potential change between the posts, it raises questions among fans as to whether Trafford represents a true upgrade over current first-choice Nick Pope.
Pope has delivered consistently reliable performances, and despite injury setbacks, he remains one of the Premier League’s most respected shot-stoppers.
Trafford, though highly rated and undoubtedly promising, is stepping into the spotlight with a resume that has both flashes of brilliance and moments of concern.
Simultaneously, Newcastle are reportedly escalating their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba.
According to multiple reports, including The Mirror via Fußball Transfers, the Magpies have submitted a £50 million offer for the Burkina Faso international.
Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be circling, but Leverkusen, having already cashed in on several high-profile players this summer, may stand firm and demand the full £81 million release clause.
Yet, with Jarell Quansah arriving from Liverpool for £30 million, the German club might already be preparing for Tapsoba’s exit.
Tapsoba’s impact at Leverkusen has been immense. Since joining in 2020 from Vitória de Guimarães, he has featured in over 220 games and was instrumental in helping Leverkusen secure their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season.
His composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and athleticism have earned him plaudits across Europe, with several analysts highlighting his ability to remain calm under pressure while executing clean tackles and pinpoint passes.
Journalist António Mango referred to him as a “monster,” and football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him “solid as a rock.”
When placed side by side with Newcastle’s existing centre-backs, Tapsoba’s performance metrics demonstrate why he’s being targeted as a transformative addition. Consider the following table:
Edmond Tapsoba vs Newcastle Centre-Backs (2024/25 Season)
| Statistic (per 90) | Tapsoba | Schär | Botman | Burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 | 42 | 10 | 46 |
| Minutes | 3,613 | 3,629 | 581 | 3,974 |
| Pass Completion % | 87% | 83.7% | 89.4% | 88.4% |
| Tackles | 1.4 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 1.1 |
| Interceptions | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| Clearances | 3.1 | 4.1 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Blocked Shots | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.1 | 2.8 |
| Aerial Duel Success % | 61% | 44% | 61% | 66% |
| Ground Duel Success % | 48% | 48% | 71% | 50% |
| Touches | 80.7 | 72.4 | 68.5 | 65.5 |
Data from FBref.com and Squawka
Tapsoba’s numbers stand out, especially in areas such as ball recoveries, passes, and touches per match. He offers a balance between technical proficiency and physicality—qualities essential to thrive in Howe’s evolving system.
Given Sven Botman’s limited game time last season due to knee injuries, reinforcing the center-back position, particularly on the left side, seems not only sensible but necessary.
In contrast, the potential switch in goal does not present the same urgency. Let’s compare Pope and Trafford’s most recent top-flight campaigns:
Nick Pope vs James Trafford (Premier League Stats)
| Statistic | Pope (2024/25) | Trafford (2023/24) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 | 28 |
| Goals Conceded | 35 | 62 |
| Saves | 86 | 106 |
| Save Percentage | 71.7% | 65.7% |
| Post-Shot xG – Goals Conceded | +1.8 | -5.9 |
| Crosses Stopped (%) | 10.9% | 7.2% |
| Pass Completion % | 73.5% | 65.5% |
Data from FBref.com
The numbers favor Pope, who conceded fewer goals and posted a higher save percentage and passing accuracy. While Trafford may have been burdened by Burnley’s defensive frailties, the stats suggest he’s not yet at Pope’s level.
Trafford may develop into a top-tier keeper with time, but right now, strengthening central defense with a player like Tapsoba appears to serve a more immediate need.
Analysts across Europe have praised Tapsoba for his calmness, passing under pressure, and athleticism—traits that align perfectly with Newcastle’s direction.
His signing would represent a strategic step forward for a club aiming not only to compete in the Champions League but to establish itself among Europe’s elite.
While Trafford’s arrival offers long-term potential, Tapsoba brings instant elevation, making him a far more impactful investment at this crucial stage of Newcastle’s evolution.