In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano offered an update on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. Romano said,
“I think it’s almost impossible to make it happen because of the Financial Fair Play situation. Edmond Tapsoba and Antonio Silva are two centre-backs that they love. But at the moment they are way too expensive for Newcastle because with the Financial Fair Play situation, it’s complicated. So they would need to sell a player of the same value, and it means someone around €55-€60m, so it’s more than complicated.”
Tapsoba’s Impressive Run Of Form In German Football
Tapsoba enjoyed a solid campaign at the Bundesliga club as he put in a series of solid displays for them on the defensive third of the field. The 24-year-old registered two goals and two assists in 47 matches for Bayer Leverkusen last season in multiple competitions.
The Burkina Faso sensation gave a good account of himself when defending inside his half based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.0 clearances per game in Bundesliga. He was even accurate when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 85.8% in the German first division (stats via whoscored).
What Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Do With Regards To Tapsoba?
Tapsoba is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and can use his powerful 1.92m frame to win his fair share of aerial duels.
Someone with Tapsoba’s defensive skillset will no doubt be a massive signing for Newcastle United this summer. He has what it takes to earn a regular starting spot in Eddie Howe‘s first XI at St. James’ Park this season.
At 24, Tapsoba has his prime years ahead of him, so Howe should look to cash in on some of his squad players to fund a move for the Bayer Leverkusen talent this summer.
