Newcastle United set sights on Galatasaray 'Iron Man' Barış Alper Yılmaz | OneFootball

Newcastle United have emerged as frontrunners to sign Barış Alper Yılmaz from Galatasaray, according to Turkish-Football.com. The 25-year-old Turkish international tops the club’s shortlist.

Newcastle are reportedly preparing to open talks with the player’s representatives in the coming days to discuss personal terms, before lodging an initial offer with Galatasaray. Scouts have tracked Yılmaz across the 2025-26 season, including Champions League tests against Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Nicknamed the “Iron Man” for his relentless work rate, he has driven Galatasaray’s latest Süper Lig title push. This season he has 12 goals and 15 assists in 47 appearances.

He also impressed in the 3-0 derby win over Fenerbahçe on 26 April 2026, converting a penalty in the 67th minute.

Recorded among the fastest players in this season’s Champions League, his blend of power and pace is considered a strong fit for the Premier League’s intensity.

Yılmaz is under contract in Istanbul until 2028, though the Premier League stage and Newcastle’s project could prove decisive. Galatasaray are expected to seek €25m to €30m, around £21m to £25.5m. Arsenal, Tottenham and Brighton have shown interest, but Newcastle are viewed as the most aggressive suitor as they look to deepen their attack after a rotation-heavy campaign.

Source: Turkish-Football.com