Journalist: Newcastle United considering move to sign French defender | OneFootball

Newcastle United Expected to Submit Bid to Sign Defender

Credit to Craig Hope for the Daily Mail, whose report has offered a clear early hint at where Newcastle United may look next in the market. In a short but loaded update, Hope asks, “Who are they targeting?” before pointing to a potential move for a young defender in France.

The stand out line is this, “An approach for Toulouse left back Dayann Methalie is anticipated, although Newcastle are monitoring his situation at present.” That reads like a deal at the information gathering stage, with the option to move quickly if conditions suit, whether that is price, availability, or the player’s openness to a switch to the Premier League.

Profile check on Dayann Methalie

Hope writes, “The 19-year-old is liked by all inside St James’ , he is athletic, comfortable on the ball and can also play as a left-sided centre back.” For Newcastle, those traits tick several recruitment boxes. Athleticism matters in Eddie Howe’s system, where wide defenders are asked to defend big spaces and recover quickly. Comfort on the ball also matters, particularly at St James’ Park when opponents sit deep and Newcastle need composure to break lines.

Photo: IMAGO

Versatility is the quiet headline. A left back who can cover at left sided centre back gives a squad more options across a long season, especially when injuries and suspensions stack up.

Fit with Eddie Howe’s tactics

Newcastle’s strongest spells have come when their full backs support high pressing and then deliver clean decisions in transition. A younger option with pace and ball security could be developed into that role, while also providing rotation minutes that protect senior starters.

There is also a structural benefit. If Methalie can tuck in as a centre back in possession, Newcastle can build with an extra man in the first line, allowing the opposite full back or a midfielder to push higher. That shape change can be a useful tool against teams who overload the wings or block central access.

Transfer timing and squad planning

Hope adds, “Newcastle would see his addition as accelerating summer plans.” That wording suggests intent to act early, potentially before other clubs notice an emerging target. It can also indicate that Newcastle are thinking about sequencing, with an early defensive addition helping them make clearer choices elsewhere in the squad.

From an FFP and squad value perspective, a 19 year old can also be a sensible bet, if the scouting is confident and the pathway is real. Newcastle have to blend immediate performance with sustainable growth, and this is the kind of move that tries to serve both aims.

Questions supporters will ask

Fans will want to know two things. First, whether Methalie would arrive as development depth or as a genuine challenger in the first team. Second, how quickly he could adapt to Premier League intensity, where decisions are forced at speed and physical duels are constant.

Still, the phrasing in Hope’s report, especially “liked by all inside St James’ ,” hints at strong internal alignment. If Newcastle do step from monitoring to action, this will be one to watch as a marker of how sharply their summer recruitment is shaping up.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle supporter, I like the sound of the club doing early work on emerging talent. 

My biggest question is pathway. If Methalie arrives, he needs a defined role, smart rotation minutes, and time to learn the league. Full backs get targeted in England, so throwing a teenager into weekly firefights can backfire. Used well, he can grow behind experienced options and still contribute.

What grabs me most is the versatility. Hope says he can “also play as a left-sided centre back.” If that is true, it gives Howe a genuine in game switch, and it helps when injuries hit without forcing square pegs into round holes.

I also wonder about price and competition. Once a Premier League club moves from monitoring to talks, others often wake up. If “Newcastle would see his addition as accelerating summer plans,” then act with purpose, sell the project, and make it feel like a clear first choice.