Newcastle set to make a move for Bundesliga centre-back after Marc Guehi blow
Newcastle’s Patient Transfer Strategy Could Lead Back to Familiar Defensive Target
Newcastle United supporters have had to show considerable patience when it comes to the club’s transfer activity in recent windows. The Magpies have remained committed to a methodical, long-term strategy—often focusing on specific targets across multiple windows rather than making impulsive signings. While this has brought mixed results, it reflects a broader vision aimed at sustainable success.
Among the recurring names linked with a move to St. James’ Park are Joao Pedro, James Trafford, and Marc Guehi. All three have featured prominently on Newcastle’s radar, though Guehi now appears likely to move elsewhere—possibly to Liverpool—as he enters the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace.
However, with Newcastle now able to offer Champions League football once again—a key bargaining chip they lacked last summer—a new opportunity may be emerging to revisit previous targets. One name in particular could re-enter the conversation.
Bundesliga Defender Back in the Frame?
Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer Leverkusen’s highly rated centre-back, may once again be on Newcastle’s shortlist as the club looks to bolster its defensive ranks. The 26-year-old Burkina Faso international was previously the subject of interest from Newcastle during last summer’s transfer window, with reliable journalist David Ornstein reporting that preliminary talks had taken place between the two clubs. However, at the time, discussions failed to progress.
Fast forward less than a year, and the circumstances have changed significantly. With Guehi increasingly likely to join Liverpool and Illia Zabarnyi now tipped to join another Champions League side, Newcastle may be forced to seek alternatives. Tapsoba could become a more realistic option this time around, particularly given the shift in Leverkusen’s situation.
The German club’s manager, Xabi Alonso, is set to depart, while the arrival of Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah for a reported £35 million has added further depth to Leverkusen’s backline. These factors, coupled with Newcastle’s return to Europe’s premier competition, could make a move for Tapsoba more feasible than it was previously.
Insider View: Increased Chances This Time Around
According to BBC Sport journalist Harry De Cosemo, who spoke recently on his Transfer Daily YouTube show, Tapsoba remains firmly on Newcastle’s radar.
“Newcastle made a play for Tapsoba last summer,” De Cosemo noted. “They had initial conversations with Bayer Leverkusen, but they didn’t progress too far. That said, the situation is different now.”
De Cosemo highlighted that Leverkusen’s incredible 2023/24 campaign—including winning the Bundesliga, reaching the Europa League final, and lifting the German Cup—all while remaining unbeaten in domestic competitions, gave Tapsoba little incentive to move at that time. Newcastle, on the other hand, were not competing in Europe at all, limiting their appeal.
“But now,” De Cosemo continued, “Leverkusen are at something of a crossroads. With Xabi Alonso leaving and Newcastle having Champions League football to offer, it changes the dynamic. Newcastle can now put a compelling project on the table. Tapsoba is very highly rated and has attracted interest from several Premier League sides in the past.”
Ageing Defence and Domino Effects Elsewhere
The need for reinforcement at the heart of defence has become more pressing for Newcastle. Sven Botman has struggled with persistent injury problems over the past two seasons, while veteran defenders Dan Burn and Fabian Schär are both on the wrong side of 30. A fresh injection of youth and quality is clearly required if the club is to compete on multiple fronts next season.
Complicating matters, though, is a potential chain reaction involving other Premier League clubs. If Crystal Palace complete the signing of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, this could pave the way for Liverpool to firm up their pursuit of Marc Guehi. With Jarell Quansah reportedly set to depart Anfield, Liverpool now have the budget and the squad need to bring in another centre-back, and Guehi is a natural fit.
There is also the possibility that Liverpool may choose to wait until Guehi’s contract expires in 2025, potentially delaying a move. However, this scenario could still hurt Newcastle’s hopes, especially if the player prefers to wait for a Bosman move or is tempted by the chance to play for a club like Liverpool in the meantime.
Looking Ahead
As things stand, Newcastle’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements remains fluid. The club’s long-term vision and return to the Champions League provide them with renewed leverage, but competition is fierce, and the transfer market is unpredictable. Whether they return for Edmond Tapsoba or are forced to pivot again, one thing is clear: Newcastle are planning for both the present and future, and a new centre-back is very much a priority.