Newcastle United are on the verge of completing a £43 million transfer for Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré, with the 20-year-old arriving on Tyneside on Thursday afternoon to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms. The Ivory Coast international is expected to sign a long-term contract and fill the void left by Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona earlier in the transfer window.
Touré Expected to Be First Major Outfield Purchase
The left-footed winger is set to become Newcastle's first major outfield signing following the departures of Gordon and Sandro Tonali. Touré's arrival is anticipated to be swiftly followed by another addition, with Freiburg's Johan Manzambi and Archie Gray also on the club's radar. However, sources on Tyneside have insisted that no bid has been submitted for former Leeds United youngster Gray, despite speculation online. Manzambi, who impressed for Switzerland during the World Cup, remains a player of interest.
Tonali's Move to Tottenham Nears Completion
Sandro Tonali's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur is expected to be announced soon. The Italian midfielder made it clear that a change was necessary, and although Newcastle were reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, they ultimately agreed to the deal. Speaking to reporters at Milan's airport, Tonali said: "Absolutely. We've decided to make a change, so we're ready for this new adventure. Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them. So I think that once you go like this it is different, so we are all happy and I am ready for the new challenge."
Tonali credited Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi for influencing his decision: "Let's say Roberto De Zerbi had a big percentage in this, and for a life choice, we come from Newcastle and our lives change with our child's birth. So we decided to change a bit. De Zerbi made a great difference and did the job very well."
The Magpies were informed of Tonali's desire to seek a new club via his agent Giuseppe Riso earlier this month, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham among the clubs approached.
