Newcastle United have made one signing so far in this summer transfer window. And it is not necessarily someone expected to come into the starting XI and improve the team immediately. The Magpies have strengthened their goalkeeping ranks by signing Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
The fans are hoping for a lot more additions over the coming weeks and months. Fortunately, it appears that the next one is not far away now.
Newcastle United recently sanctioned the exit of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. It is thought to be a package in the region of £100 million. And it looks like the Magpies have not wasted any time in trying to reinvest that money back into the squad.
Reports had already suggested that a deal had been agreed with Hoffenheim to sign Bazoumana Toure, one of the most exciting rising wingers in the Bundesliga. And now, the move seems only a matter of time, as a photo has emerged online.
Player on his way to complete Newcastle United move as photo emerges online
Journalist Malick Traore has posted a picture of Toure en route to his medical examination. He is set to become the second most expensive Ivorian player in history, behind the €80 million spent to sign Nicolas Pepe in 2019 by Arsenal.
So, a move is quite clearly imminent. Expect to see Toure holding up a Newcastle United jersey very soon, unless and until there is any unforeseen last-minute twist in this saga.
Of course, Newcastle United cannot afford to stop here. More signings will be needed. That being said, the fans should be delighted that this one is close to being over the line.
What does Bazoumana Toure bring to the table?
Toure has been one of the most highly-rated young talents in Europe for quite some time now. He was heavily scouted by clubs during his time at Hammarby as well.
Ultimately, he did end up joining Hoffenheim, when the opportunity was perhaps there to sign for a ‘bigger’ club. In hindsight, that was a very smart move from Toure and his team.
At Hoffenheim, Toure got the chance to showcase his abilities against Bundesliga-level opposition while also getting regular football. In 45 appearances for the club, he scored five goals and provided 15 assists.
So now, when Newcastle United are set to sign him, he will be arriving as someone who is expected to have a starting role from the get-go. In the past, that would not have been the case and he would have been seen as a project signing.
That is the difference a good ‘stepping stone’ move can make in football. Hoffenheim are getting a record fee, Toure is getting his move to the Premier League and Newcastle United are hopefully getting a player who will be a key part of their team for years to come.
