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Newcastle eye a move for £25m “elite talent”

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According to reports coming out of Spain, Newcastle United are one of the Premier League clubs keeping an eye on Sevilla FC defender Loic Bade this January.

The Magpies have recently revived their season after a disappointing start and at present, are strong contenders to reach their goals of qualifying for a European qualification spot.

Another confident victory was chalked up over the weekend in the FA Cup third-round clash with Bromley and Eddie Howe will be hoping the recent run of mid-season delight will continue into the business end of the campaign, with the potential to take away two domestic trophies.

Having said that, there is now an opportunity for the Tyneside giants to add quality and depth to their squad in the January transfer market, with a right winger and a centre-back reportedly the top priority.

As per the manager himself, incomings are only likely to materialise if Newcastle can offload some of their fringe players in the days and weeks remaining in the current window, as they continue to wrestle with their financial obligations.

Miguel Almiron, Matt Targett and Martin Dubravka have all been linked with moves away from the North East this month, which would healthily boost transfer funds available if they could part ways with a trio.

Spanish newspaper AS are reporting that Newcastle are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Sevilla star Loic Bade, with Liverpool their competition for the centre-back’s signature.

The 6ft 3 Frenchman has been impressive in his La Liga performances this season, which has resulted in strong interest from the two English clubs who are looking to add to their defensive set-up.

It is noted that Bade signed an extension until 2029 in September with a €60m (£50.4m) release clause attached to his contract, however, the cash-strapped Spanish club could allow him to leave for €25-30m (£21m-£25m) this month.

Should Newcastle sign Loic Bade?

There is no doubt that the signing of a centre-back has been the clear object of Newcastle’s desire for a long time now, with an aggressive attempt in the summer to sign Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi.

It has been reported that the England international is being chased by Chelsea this month, and after a failed summer bid of £65m, it would feel like a waste of time for the Magpies to revisit that situation again.

As a result, moving onto new opportunities to bolster the defensive line in 2025 is the wisest and former Nottingham Forest defender Bade could be exactly what Newcastle are looking for.

Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are both well into their 30s at this point and coming to the end of their contracts in the summer, along with Emile Krafth who has often failed in recent seasons to make his mark on the first-team, so there is definitely room for new additions.

Over 15 La Liga appearances this season, the 24-year-0ld – once dubbed an “elite talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has successfully completed a whopping 82% of his dribbles, boasts an 86% pass completion rate and has won 65% of aerial and ground duels combined.

As well as averaging 70.5 touches, 50.8 accurate passes, 4.4 ball recoveries, 3.9 clearances and two tackles per game, demonstrating his dominance and involvement in every aspect of the game, while being capable of playing on both the left and right side of the centre-back duo.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for the Magpies to seal a deal for Bade this January, as he could be an incredible asset that can flourish under Howe in the centre-back partnership of the future on Tyneside.

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