Newcastle United have struck an agreement with Monaco for midfielder Aladji Bamba, with the potential package valued at up to £34 million.
Deal agreed for Monaco midfielder
The 20-year-old French playmaker is scheduled to arrive in Newcastle on Thursday, where he will undergo a medical and complete the signing of a long-term contract.
Why Newcastle moved for a second young midfielder
Newcastle’s recruitment push follows the club’s sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham last month. With that departure, they have been looking for another promising midfielder, adding further to their plans after securing the capture of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax.
- Newcastle moved on Bamba after agreeing a deal with Monaco.
- The club’s interest reflects a search for a second young midfielder after Tonali’s departure.
- Steur’s arrival from Ajax has already strengthened that area of the squad.
Other midfield target goes elsewhere
Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi was another name on Newcastle’s list, but he chose a move to Aston Villa last week instead.
- Johan Manzambi was a target for Newcastle.
- He ultimately opted to join Aston Villa.
Bamba’s Ligue 1 impact last season
In Ligue 1 last season, Bamba produced standout outputs among midfielders who played at least 500 minutes. He finished among the top five for several key measures, including duels won, tackles, successful take-ons and aerial duels won.
- Duels won: 9.1 per game on average.
- Tackles: 3.6 per game.
- Successful take-ons: 1.6 per game.
- Aerial duels won: 1.9 per game.
