Report: Newcastle vs Liverpool in Race for Rising La Liga Star | OneFootball

Liverpool and Newcastle Locked in Centre-Back Battle: La Liga Star Loic Bade Next on the Radar

The Premier League’s endless pursuit of defensive talent shows no signs of slowing, with Liverpool and Newcastle now targeting Sevilla’s Loic Bade as their next centre-back solution. This clash in ambitions follows a summer skirmish over Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, where both clubs found themselves vying for the England international. Guehi ultimately chose not to switch allegiances, leaving both clubs seeking alternatives to bolster their backline. As TBR Football reports, the rivalry now centres on Bade, a promising star whose rapid rise in La Liga has caught the eye of several European giants.

Newcastle’s Defensive Conundrum: Finding the Right Fit

Newcastle’s interest in Bade signals Eddie Howe’s continued desire to enhance his defence, despite the addition of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer this summer. Kelly was the only central defender brought in during a window that saw five new players join the ranks, and while he adds depth, Newcastle still feel the need for a top-tier centre-back. According to TBR Football, Howe was keen to acquire Guehi, but Palace’s reluctance left Newcastle empty-handed in that pursuit. Given Guehi’s apparent preference for a move to Liverpool, Newcastle’s interest has naturally turned to other targets – with Bade fitting the bill.

Photo IMAGO

The 23-year-old French defender has shone brightly in Spain, particularly during Sevilla’s recent campaigns and his impressive showing at the Olympics. His consistent performances have established him as a reliable presence at the back, sparking interest from top-tier clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich, with Liverpool reportedly already making their move. TBR Football notes that Bade may be available for less than his £50 million release clause – a tantalising prospect for Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Liverpool’s Defensive Plans: Eyes on the Future

Liverpool, known for their rigorous scouting process, are equally intent on reinforcing their defence, especially with Joel Matip’s and Virgil van Dijk’s futures in question due to age and past injuries. Their pursuit of Bade is not merely opportunistic; it aligns with their long-term plan to create a sustainable defensive core. Having been thwarted in their attempt to sign Guehi, the Reds’ attention has naturally shifted to Bade. Liverpool scouts reportedly watched Bade in action and were left impressed, leading to further assessments as they weigh up their options.

Aston Villa and Bayern Munich Add Heat to the Competition

Adding intrigue to the tale, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich have also joined the race for Bade. Both clubs are eager to add depth and quality to their defensive lines, making the chase for Bade an even more challenging one for Liverpool and Newcastle. Should either Villa or Bayern commit to serious offers, the transfer dynamics could change, as all four clubs have the financial clout to push Sevilla for a deal.

With a release clause set around £50 million, Bade’s move will require swift negotiations, and his destination may hinge on which club presents the most compelling vision for his development. Liverpool and Newcastle, however, remain firmly positioned, with each looking to capitalise on any opportunity to strengthen their Premier League ambitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Newcastle fans are likely to feel a mixture of excitement and frustration regarding this report. After missing out on Marc Guehi, they had hoped to secure a solid defensive addition in the summer, but their team’s options remain limited. They would see Bade as a promising target, not only due to his impressive form in La Liga but also because he represents the calibre of player Newcastle’s growing ambitions demand. Yet, the involvement of Liverpool and now Bayern Munich could make them wary, as these clubs tend to dominate negotiations when it comes to top talent.

For fans, there’s the hope that Newcastle can make a strong case to Bade, highlighting their unique project under Eddie Howe and the prospect of becoming a defensive linchpin in a squad with European aspirations. However, the memory of being “outbid” or “out-attracted” in recent transfer windows lingers, leading some to wonder if Newcastle can successfully rival these giants for players of Bade’s quality.