Latest developments
- Newcastle United on the hunt for a centre-back
- Magpies consider making January move for Loic Bade
- Would be cheaper to sign than Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): The source can be trusted in most cases
Newcastle have been on the hunt for a centre-back since the summer as they looked to improve upon the ageing Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles. The Magpies were hot on the trail of Crystal Palace‘s Guehi, who impressed in the Premier League last season and for England at the Euros. However, they were unable to sign the centre-back due to Palace's £75 million valuation of the 24-year-old.
Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke has now suggested that Newcastle have shifted their focus towards Sevilla's Bade as they target a January move for the Frenchman. Reports from Football Insider are more often than not accurate.
Value (5/5): Sevilla star Bade wouldn't be too costly
The report has suggested that Sevilla may ask for a transfer fee in the region of £30 million to £40 million for Bade, and Newcastle's negative net spend over the summer should make them able to easily shell out that amount in January.
The Magpies know that Crystal Palace's valuation of Guehi may fall this winter with the English entering the last 18 months of his contract with the Eagles. However, a move for Bade would still come in considerably cheaper with the Frenchman's wage demands also likely to be lower than Guehi's.
Suitability (5/5): Eddie Howe needs a ball-playing centre-back
Part of the reason Newcastle have been looking at centre-back options is due to Sven Botman's injury issues. The Dutchman is one of the only ball-playing centre-backs in Howe's squad. As such, Bade's natural ability to play out the back from the centre of defence will be a key trait that will help the Magpies out as their struggles to build spells of possession continue.
Upgrade? (5/5): Young spirit in an ageing defence
Schar, Burn and Lascelles have been great and solid centre-backs throughout their careers, however, the three veterans are slowly trailing towards the tail end of their playing time. Bade would be a straight upgrade for Howe's side as they continue to build a versatile squad for the future. Given that Botman's availability remains an issue, Bade would become the best centre-back at St. James' Park, if he does decide to make the move to Tyneside.
Logic (5/5): Bade's chance to get into the spotlight
Amid the hype surrounding young French centre-backs like William Saliba, Leny Yoro and Jean-Clair Todibo, Bade has silently slipped into the background despite his consistent performances for Sevilla. However, a move to Newcastle would finally make the defender finally enjoy some hype for his talents.
Whisper+ final verdict – 24/25
Bade's potential move to Newcastle United would be a massive positive for all the parties involved. Newcastle get an able and promising centre-back and Bade gets his move into the spotlight. Additionally, cash-strapped Sevilla would also get a good financial boost from the transfer fee that the Magpies would part with to gain Bade's services.
