Newcastle United will be trying to buy a centre-back this summer, and it will become even more important following Sven Botman’s injury.
The 24-year-old has suffered his second anterior cruciate ligament injury this season and might be out for up to nine months. The worst-case scenario indicates that he may not return until 2025.
It’s a terrible blow for Newcastle United and Sven Botman. He has pledged to return from this injury a better player, and when he does, he may have a new defensive partner.
When the transfer window opens, the Magpies will be looking for a centre-back, and it is likely that they will want to bring in someone who can be Botman’s long-term partner at St James’ Park whenever the Dutchman returns from injury.
That has to be the goal, and it would be consistent with Newcastle United’s current transfer strategy. There have been no stopgaps; the club is constantly looking at the big picture.
That is why HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey feels Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande might be Newcastle United’s centre-back of choice this summer.
Newcastle ‘could’ move for Ousmane Diomande
Bailey spoke with Geordie Boot Boys on the Magpies’ search for a new defender and believes Diomande might be the player they pursue following repeated scouting trips to Portugal.
“I think he could be the one,” he remarked.
“He certainly could. I like him a lot.
“We know Newcastle has occasionally kept an eye on Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.
“Diomande is an excellent player, and it would not surprise me if he ended up being the winner. They have undoubtedly looked at him.”
Newcastle have watched Ousmane Diomande a lot
As Bailey mentions, Newcastle has made many scouting trips to Portugal this summer. They have also been looking at Diomande’s Sporting teammate, Viktor Gyokeres, who played for Sweden alongside Alexander Isak on Thursday night.
Diomande is apparently a player who impresses head of recruitment Steve Nickson, and it’s simple to see why. The 20-year-old has excelled since moving to Portugal, and he possesses all of the attributes to become one of the world’s top center-backs.
That must appeal to Newcastle, who will have their central defense future secured if they can pair him with Botman.
However, a deal for the Ivorian would not come cheap. It has been stated that he has a £69 million release clause, making him Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever.
You’d want to think Newcastle could get a better deal, but it may be easier said than done.
Newcastle will not spend that much on Jarrad Branthwaite
It would be surprising if Newcastle spent over £70 million on Diomande, but Jarrad Branthwaite is not a player for whom they will spend so much.
The Everton defender, who is now on England duty with Anthony Gordon, has been linked with a move to St James’ Park as he has had a breakout season in the Premier League.
While Bailey feels Newcastle are huge fans of the 21-year-old defender, he does not see the Magpies paying the ‘Premier League tax’ to sign him.
“Newcastle likes him,” he explained.
“He’s a left-sided player, yet he costs more than £70 million. Are Newcastle paying more than £70 million for a centre-back this summer? Even if Botman was fit, I can’t see it. It’s a Premier League tax. They only cost a little more. If Everton goes down, he will be cheaper, but I don’t see that happening right now.”
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