Newcastle United make an approach for Yahia Fofana – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United have now made an approach for YahiaFofana ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

L’Equipe reporting the news, saying that the 24 year old goalkeeper has been targeted by Eddie Howe and NUFC.

Previous reports in the French media had stated that Newcastle United have been scouting Yahia Fofana, watching him this season.

Now L’Equipe saying that has been followed up with an official approach from United.

The 24 year old has been very impressive this season, with some of the very best underlying stats of goalkeepers in Ligue 1, as he has helped minnows Angers have steered well clear of relegation, currently 13th in the table with just one match left to play.

After helping Angers to promotion last season, Yahia Fofana has played every minute of every Ligue 1 match this season so far.

Top French clubs and those from other leagues, such as Torino, as well as other clubs in England, have all been linked with the young but experienced goalkeeper.

Making the signing of Yahia Fofana especially attractive is that he is reported to have a release clause figure of no more than £8m. Moving to Angers as a free agent after his Le Havre contract came to an end in 2022, that allowed the young keeper to dictate the terms of his contract at a new club.

He only has one year left on his contract anyway at Angers, so it will suit them as well as the ambitious young keeper if he leaves this summer.

Yahia Fofana is also number one for the Ivory Coast and was part of the team that won the African Cup of Nations in 2023. He also looks set to appear at the 2026 World Cup finals as so far in qualifying, Ivory Coast have 16 points from six qualifying group matches and whilst scoring 14 goals, Fofana hasn’t conceded a single goal in the six games.

After doing the hard yards and signing no first team contenders in the last three windows, Newcastle United will be major players this summer with now a lot more freedom within PSR to sign a number of first team players. However, with a number of positions to target and with European football to look forward to next season, the 6ft 4 tall Yahia Fofana could prove to be a very attractive prospect for less than £10m to come in and compete with Nick Pope for the number one shirt and as his potential long-term successor. Especially as it would release significantly more money up when it comes to targeting necessary NUFC signings