- Newcastle United and Chelsea want Bundesliga goalkeeper
- Borussia Dortmund star would cost a big fee to move this summer
- Magpies may have an advantage over The Blues
Newcastle United are looking to improve their goalkeeper situation, with Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel an option ahead of this summer’s window. However, fellow Premier League side Chelsea are also keen on the Swiss keeper.
Football Insider reports on interest in the 28-year-old, who has been the number one at the Bundesliga giants for several seasons.
Nick Pope’s ropey form has seen him dropped to the bench in favour of Aaron Ramsdale, but it’s understood that Eddie Howe and his staff don’t view him as their starting goalkeeper next season. The former Arsenal man will therefore return to parent club Southampton.
Gregor Kobel is a mainstay in Borussia Dortmund team
Kobel began his career in his home country, but quickly moved to the Bundesliga, where he joined Hoffenheim.
The goalkeeper found himself second choice and was looking for more opportunities to prove his quality, moving to Augsburg on loan, and then to 2. Bundesliga team Stuttgart a year later.
He helped Die Roten claim promotion back to the top flight, and they believed in him, coughing up €7.2 million to have him on a full-time basis. Kobel made 33 appearances that season, as they finished in a comfortable position, avoiding any relegation trouble.
His amazing shot-stopping and command of his area made many of Europe’s top clubs aware of his skill, which led to Dortmund picking him up once the season was complete.
Since his move to Signal Iduna Park, he has been the first choice keeper and maintained a strong relationship with his defenders, which has helped the team grow.
He hasn’t won a trophy for the Black and Yellows, but he came close with solid performances in the Bundesliga in 2022/23, and the following year as they reached the Champions League final.
This season, Dortmund find themselves in second behind a ruthless Bayern Munich, while the 28-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets.
The Newcastle Chronicle spoke to journalist Lars Pollman, who believes he would cost ‘somewhere in the region of €50m to €70m’.
Newcastle United and Chelsea battle it out for transfer
This wouldn’t be the first time these two Premier League sides have both chased the same player, as Joao Pedro was a main target for each club.
Chelsea pulled off the move, and he has had a breakout campaign at Stamford Bridge with 22 Premier League goal contributions this season. Newcastle United saw a £50 million offer for Pedro rejected prior to his Stamford Bridge switch.
However, this move may be in the hands of the Magpies, rather than Liam Rosenior’s side. Football Insider claimed that Mike Penders is set to be given a chance for the team from London, after an impressive spell at Strasbourg. That could end Chelsea interest in Kobel.
Howe knows he needs a keeper who provides confidence to his defence, and while Kobel might cost a handsome fee, he will certainly add a much-needed presence between the sticks.
In other news, Newcastle ‘Refuse’ Forgotten Man’s Cut-Price Sale.
