- Newcastle United have ‘strong interest in Karim Coulibaly
- The Magpies face competition from Chelsea
- Coulibaly could be the perfect Fabian Schar replacement
Newcastle United reportedly have a strong interest in signing £35m-rated Karim Coulibaly this summer. The Magpies are set to face yet another battle with Chelsea if they are to get a deal for Coulibaly over the line.
The 18-year-old has been linked with Newcastle for some time now, and the rumour is showing no signs of slowing down as the transfer window approaches.
Eddie Howe will likely need a new centre back heading into next season, with the ageing Fabian Schär’s contract set to expire in the summer and Dan Burn also not getting any younger.
Coulibaly fits recruitment focus
Given that Coulibaly is only 18 years of age, expecting him to come in and be a starter immediately would be rather ambitious.
However, it would no doubt be a deal with massive upside for the Magpies. Coulibaly has been a mainstay in the Werder Bremen side this season and has shown frequent signs that he can become a top player in the future.
Coulibaly would also fit perfectly with Newcastle’s new recruitment focus that is being implemented this summer.
The club have been vocal in their admission that they are looking to lower the age profile of the squad. Perhaps nothing is more exemplary of that than the multitude of new roles that have been created in the recruitment department.
Newcastle have already signed Independiente del Valle youngster Johan Martinez in anticipation of the Ecuadorian turning 18.
Coulibaly is just the latest link in a long line of young talents, but the German does feel like an option with a greater possibility of actually signing for the club than the majority of others who have been speculated.
Coulibaly an excellent Schar replacement
Of the current cohort of Newcastle’s centre backs, Coulibaly is best established as a replacement for Fabian Schar.
This is mainly in relation to his on-ball abilities, with his calmness in possession and precision in breaking lines with his passing perhaps his most valuable attribute as a modern-day centre back.
Schar has emerged as one of the best ball-playing defenders in the entire Premier League during his tenure at St James’ Park and will no doubt be difficult to sufficiently replace. But a profile like Coulibaly’s, once he fully develops, may be the closest Eddie Howe will get to the Swiss star.
Coulibaly still has all of the attributes expected from a traditional centre back too, though. His physical prowess is beyond his years, and he has a towering aerial presence that makes him a match for any forward.
Despite his young profile, there is definitely scope for Coulibaly to make an immediate impact on Newcastle’s backline, should he be signed.
In other news, Newcastle United must spend £75m Anthony Gordon fee on Leeds United star and £50m Brighton transfer.
