BREAKING NEWS- Edmond Tapsoba, better defender than Marc Guehi makes Newcastle United decision amid interest from Eddie Howe’s side
Edmond Tapsoba has made his intentions for the future clear as he continues to be a focal point for Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
After a remarkable season in the Bundesliga, where Bayer Leverkusen, under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, clinched the league title in unbeaten fashion, the German club has been striving to retain their crown. This has seen them busy in the transfer market, both in terms of potential departures and acquisitions. Among the players who have attracted significant interest are key defenders, including Ecuadorian international Piero Hincapié, who has been linked with moves to Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Edmond Tapsoba, another standout performer in Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign, has also found himself at the center of intense transfer speculation. With top clubs from both the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League circling, the future of the 25-year-old Burkina Faso international has been the subject of much debate. However, sources at HITC have now confirmed that Tapsoba has made a definitive decision regarding his future.
Tapsoba’s Decision Amid Newcastle United’s Interest
It has been revealed to HITC that Tapsoba is intent on staying with Bayer Leverkusen, despite the growing interest from several prominent clubs this summer. The central defender, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s successful campaign, has garnered attention from numerous suitors, including Newcastle United. The Magpies have been actively seeking a new central defender and recently approached Leverkusen with interest in Tapsoba, especially as their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi appears to have hit a deadlock.
Newcastle’s interest in Tapsoba is not isolated, as both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the highly-rated defender. Yet, HITC understands that Tapsoba had little interest in moving to these clubs during the previous summer transfer window and remains uninterested in a switch to the Premier League. His focus is firmly on continuing his career at Leverkusen, where he is keen to play in the Champions League next season. This ambition has made it increasingly challenging for Newcastle to persuade Tapsoba to leave Germany.
**Newcastle’s Search for a Defender Continues**
Given Tapsoba’s firm stance, it seems Newcastle may need to explore other options to bolster their defense. With Fulham reportedly reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace for Joachim Andersen, it appears that Marc Guehi will remain at Palace, further complicating Newcastle’s search for a top-tier central defender. The likelihood of Newcastle securing either Guehi or Tapsoba seems increasingly slim, with the latter particularly committed to staying at Bayer Leverkusen.
**Saudi Pro League’s Lucrative Offer**
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Tapsoba’s future is the significant interest from the Saudi Pro League, where clubs have been making aggressive moves to attract top talent from Europe. Among those interested is Al-Nassr, who are reportedly ready to offer up to £50 million to secure Tapsoba’s services, a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid defenders in the world. Despite the financial allure of such an offer, Tapsoba has shown little enthusiasm for a move to the Middle East, choosing instead to focus on his current career trajectory at Leverkusen.
In conclusion, while Edmond Tapsoba’s performances have made him a sought-after player in this transfer window, the defender appears set on remaining with Bayer Leverkusen, valuing the opportunity to compete in Europe’s elite competition over the prospect of a move to either the Premier League or the Saudi Pro League. As Newcastle United and other interested clubs continue their search for defensive reinforcements, it’s clear that Tapsoba’s commitment to Leverkusen will be a key factor in their plans moving forward.
