Newcastle offer £42m for Bundesliga star? – Big claims from ‘source close’ to player

Newcastle United Reportedly Launch £42m Bid for Edmond Tapsoba – But Caution Advised Over Source

When it comes to transfer rumours—particularly those emerging from lesser-known foreign outlets—it’s often wise to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism. This is especially true when bold claims surface without verification from more established or reputable sources.

 

That said, a notable report did the rounds on Tuesday afternoon that’s certainly caught the attention of Newcastle United fans. According to Africa Foot, the Magpies have submitted an opening offer of £42 million for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba—a player who has been linked with the club in the past.

 

There are reasons to both believe and question the legitimacy of this story. On the one hand, a move for a high-quality European defender wouldn’t be out of character for Newcastle, particularly as they assess alternatives to Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender now appears increasingly likely to join Liverpool this summer, leaving Eddie Howe and his recruitment team exploring other potential options.

 

It’s also relevant to recall that David Ornstein, one of the most reliable voices in football journalism, previously reported that Newcastle held talks with Tapsoba last summer. Those discussions came after the club’s pursuit of Guehi stalled, suggesting that the Burkina Faso international has long been on the club’s radar.

 

Could the Magpies now be rekindling their interest in the 26-year-old Leverkusen star? It’s entirely plausible. However, the origin and structure of Africa Foot’s report do raise questions. The story claims that a “source close to the player” revealed Newcastle’s bid and suggested that “discussions are underway this week” regarding a potential move to St James’ Park.

 

Here’s where the cynicism starts to creep in. Why would a source supposedly close to Tapsoba leak such significant information to the media? One possible explanation is that it’s a strategic move—perhaps aimed at sparking a bidding war or alerting other interested clubs to his availability. These sorts of leaks can be carefully orchestrated by agents or even clubs looking to create leverage in ongoing negotiations.

 

Another key point to consider: would Newcastle really table such a high opening bid? £42 million is no small sum, especially when you consider that the club managed to land Sven Botman—a younger and similarly rated defender—for less. The notion that Newcastle would kick things off with such a sizeable offer seems slightly at odds with the club’s recent transfer strategy, which has typically leaned toward careful valuation and structured negotiations.

 

Ultimately, while there’s no denying that Tapsoba would be a strong addition to the squad, it’s best to treat these reports with a degree of caution until more credible outlets either verify or refute the claims. With the transfer window in full swing and Newcastle actively reshaping their squad, this may not be the last time Tapsoba’s name pops up in connection with a move to Tyneside. For now, though, it’s a case of “wait and see”—with a pinch of salt firmly in hand.