Newcastle United leading the race to sign Bazoumana Traore | OneFootball

Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Hoffenheim’s explosive young winger Bazoumana Traore.

The Ivorian international has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted young talents after a standout breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, prompting the Magpies to intensify their recruitment drive.

Newcastle have identified Traore as a priority signing to inject raw pace, unpredictability, and dynamism into their attack to help Eddie Howe cope with Anthony Gordon’s departure from St James’ Park.

Traore recorded 14 direct goal involvements in the Bundesliga last season and the most assists (nine) of any player aged 20 or under in the division.

While Newcastle are at the front of the queue for Traore, securing his services will not be straightforward. Borussia Dortmund have also placed the ‘very exciting’ winger on their radar and can offer Champions League football.

Hoffenheim, with Traore under contract for another three years, are driving a hard bargain and are expected to demand a fee in the region of £40 million for their prized asset.

Having already missed out on Victor Munoz, Newcastle will need to act quickly in their pursuit of Traore, who was recently knocked out of the World Cup as the Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Norway.

Armed with £92.5m from the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle are expected to accelerate their search for a new winger in the coming days.

They are also in the market for a new midfielder, with Archie Gray high on their shortlist, although Spurs are currently unwilling to sell.