Newcastle United will be looking to sign a centre-back this summer, and it will have become even more of a priority after Sven Botman’s injury.
The 24-year-old has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury for the second time this season, and could be out of action for up to nine months. The worst case scenario means he might not return until 2025.
It is a devastating blow for Newcastle United, and for Sven Botman. He has vowed to come back from this injury a better player, and by the time he does return he could have a new defensive partner.
The Magpies are going to be in the market for a centre-back when the transfer window opens, and you have to imagine the club will want to bring in someone who can be Botman’s long-term partner at St James’ Park once the Dutchman returns from injury.
That has to be the goal, and it would align with the way Newcastle United have approached transfers in recent years. There have been no stopgaps – the club are always looking at the bigger picture.
And that is why HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he believes Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande could be the centre-back who Newcastle United turn to this summer.
Newcastle ‘could’ move for Ousmane Diomande
Bailey has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ search for a new defender, and thinks Diomande could be who they move for after multiple scouting trips to Portugal.
“I think he could be the one,” he said.
“He really could. I like him a lot.
“We know that Newcastle have been watching Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting at times as well.
“Diomande is a very good player, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up being the one at all. They’ve definitely looked at him.”
Newcastle have watched Ousmane Diomande a lot
As Bailey says, Newcastle have done a fair few scouting trips to Portugal this summer. They have also been looking at Diomande’s Sporting teammate Viktor Gyokeres, who was in action for Sweden on Thursday night alongside Alexander Isak.
Diomande is reportedly a player who head of recruitment Steve Nickson likes, and it is easy to understand why. The 20-year-old has really excelled since his move to Portugal, and has all the tools to become one of the best centre-backs on the planet.
That has to appeal to Newcastle, who will have their central defensive future sewn up if they can partner him with Botman.
However, a deal for the Ivorian would not be cheap. It has been claimed that he has a release clause worth £69million, which would make him the most expensive signing in Newcastle United’s history.
You would like to imagine that Newcastle could negotiate a cheaper deal, but that might be easier said than done.
Newcastle will not spend that much on Jarrad Branthwaite
Seeing Newcastle spend almost £70million on Diomande would be a real surprise, but one player they will not spend that much money on is Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Everton defender, who is currently on England duty alongside Anthony Gordon, has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, as he enjoys a breakthrough season in the Premier League.
And while Bailey believes that Newcastle are massive fans of the 21-year-old defender, he does not see the Magpies paying the ‘Premier League tax’ to get him.
“Newcastle like him,” he said.
“He’s a left-sider, but he’s also got a price tag of over £70million. Are Newcastle paying over £70million for a centre-back this summer? Even if Botman was fit, I don’t see it. It’s the Premier League tax. They just cost that little bit more. If Everton go down, he will be cheaper, but I don’t see that happening now.”
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