Newcastle have completed the signing of midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco for an initial £30m plus £5.5m in add-ons, totalling £35.5m. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No 8 shirt vacated by Sandro Tonali following his £100m move to Tottenham.

Manager Eddie Howe expressed delight at the acquisition, describing Bamba as an exciting young talent with huge potential. Howe noted the Frenchman's impressive development at Monaco, where he operated in a deeper role but demonstrated versatility across the pitch in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season.

A France U20 international and nominee for the 2026 European Golden Boy award, Bamba made five Champions League appearances, including both legs against Paris Saint-Germain, and recorded two assists in 18 Ligue 1 matches. The defensive midfielder said he is ready for the challenge of the Premier League and eager to repay the faith shown by the club.