Transfer Rumors: Newcastle pushing to sign one of the biggest breakout U21 players
Newcastle United are dealing with transfer speculation from all corners, with the club potentially at risk of losing star man Bruno Guimarães due to FFP sanctions and Kieran Trippier apparently a step away from Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, the Magpies sit outside the top seven of the Premier League table, one season after qualifying for the Champions League in a dream campaign under one of the league’s top managers, Eddie Howe.
As such, Newcastle are still monitoring top players on the transfer market, and their focus appears to be on signing young midfielders. The Magpies have already been linked to Everton star Amadou Onana.
Now, L’Équipe reports Newcastle have joined Borussia Dortmund in hot pursuit of Rennes midfielder Désiré Doué, an 18-year-old prospect who is already one of the best players at the position in Ligue 1.
Newcastle have shown a great eye for talent lately
There may not be a more impressive U21 midfielder available for transfer in 2024 than Doué, who is a real breakout gem and should be on the true mainstream radar in a matter of months.
Expect the transfer rumors around the Frenchman to heat up as the summer draws near, so it is a positive for Newcastle supporters that their club is already in on the action.
Dortmund have a great scouting eye – everyone knows that – but Newcastle have shown the same aptitude lately. Bruno G, for example, was an inspired signing from Lyon to kick off the Saudi Arabian ownership’s regime.
Doué would need time to adjust to the Premier League, but if Newcastle sign him now, they can avoid paying a more exorbitant fee to Rennes in the future.
L’Équipe say that the Magpies would like to sign the teenage sensation this winter. That makes sense from the vantage point of getting depth, but it may be easier to acquire Doué, who has started four Ligue 1 matches, after the 2023/24 season ends.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
