Source close to player claims €50m Newcastle United bid – Magpies in ongoing negotiations
Newcastle United are making serious moves in the summer transfer window, with one of their most ambitious targets being Bayer Leverkusen’s central defender Edmond Tapsoba.
The Magpies have kept tabs on the 26-year-old for over two years, and his consistent performances in the Bundesliga have not gone unnoticed by the club’s decision-makers.
His presence at the heart of Leverkusen’s defense has been commanding, and it appears Eddie Howe’s side is now ready to act decisively.
According to reports from Africa Foot, a source close to the player confirmed that Newcastle United have submitted a formal bid worth €50 million for the Burkina Faso international.
This marks a significant moment in their pursuit of the defender and reflects their intention to bolster the squad’s defensive resilience ahead of a challenging campaign.
The club’s recent return to Champions League football and their aspirations to become a regular feature among England’s elite have prompted a shift in recruitment priorities, with high-caliber defenders now central to their transfer strategy.
The negotiations between Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen are said to be ongoing, with talks scheduled to progress throughout the week. Although no final agreement has been reached, the Premier League club remains optimistic that a deal can be struck in the current transfer window.
Tapsoba is reportedly seen as a crucial addition to Newcastle’s back line—one who could bring strength, composure, and tactical awareness to a defense that showed moments of vulnerability in the previous season.
While the Magpies are pushing hard to secure the centre-back’s signature, they are not the only club interested in his services. Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, although sources suggest Erik ten Hag’s side are approaching with caution.
The Dutch manager is believed to admire Tapsoba’s qualities, but his club has yet to match Newcastle’s intensity in the bidding process.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will escalate their interest, but at present, Newcastle are the ones actively engaged in negotiations.
Tapsoba’s value lies not only in his defensive capabilities but also in his ability to contribute to build-up play. In the 2023/24 season, he made 43 appearances across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen, registering two goals and seven assists.
These statistics reflect his well-rounded game solid in the tackle, alert in positioning, and comfortable progressing the ball forward.
Such attributes have become increasingly vital in modern football, where central defenders are expected to initiate attacks and maintain composure under pressure.
For Newcastle, the addition of a defender of Tapsoba’s profile would represent more than just a reinforcement; it would be a signal of intent
The club’s recruitment over the past few windows has already shown signs of evolution, moving from opportunistic buys to targeted, strategic investments aimed at long-term growth.
Tapsoba fits this model perfectly—young enough to develop further, yet experienced enough to compete at the highest level immediately.
The outcome of the ongoing talks remains uncertain, and sources close to the situation have not confirmed whether Bayer Leverkusen are willing to part ways with one of their defensive pillars.
Still, the €50 million offer from Newcastle underscores how highly they value Tapsoba and how determined they are to bring him to St James’ Park. As the summer window unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Magpies can finalize what would be one of the most significant deals of their transfer campaign.
Whether Newcastle succeed in landing Tapsoba or not, their pursuit reflects a club in transition ambitious, forward-looking, and ready to compete with the established powers of English and European football.
If they manage to secure his services, they will not only strengthen their defense but also reinforce their reputation as a growing force willing to invest in top-tier talent.