Newcastle United confirmed a deal for Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba, valued at up to £34m. The 20‑year‑old Frenchman made his senior debut in August 2025 and will arrive at Tyneside on Thursday for a medical and to sign a long‑term contract.

The move comes after Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham last month and added the 18‑year‑old Sean Steur from Ajax. A second midfield target, Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, opted for Aston Villa instead, leaving Newcastle still keen to strengthen depth.

Among Ligue 1 midfielders who logged at least 500 minutes last season, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game), tackles (3.6), successful take‑ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9), signalling a dynamic ball‑winning capability.

Newcastle’s acquisition of Bamba underscores the club’s ambition to rebuild a youthful, resilient squad capable of competing at the highest level.