Newcastle join growing race for Hellas Verona defender Rafik Belghali

Newcastle United are monitoring Hellas Verona right-back Rafik Belghali as competition increases for the 24-year-old Algeria international.

The Magpies are understood to be considering becoming the latest club to pursue Belghali, whose situation at Hellas Verona is also being followed closely by a number of leading Italian sides. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Newcastle have been paying close attention to the defender and could soon become actively involved in the battle to sign him.

Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Exclusive information reported by Africafoot indicates that Inter Milan, AS Roma, Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina are also tracking the player. The number of clubs involved could lead to increased demands for Belghali and potentially push up the eventual transfer fee.

Belghali remains under contract with Hellas Verona until 30 June 2029, giving the Italian club considerable control over his future. He still has several years remaining on his current agreement, meaning any interested club would have to negotiate a deal with Verona rather than simply wait for his contract to approach its expiry.

The defender’s ability to operate on the right side of the defence is one of the qualities attracting attention from clubs across Europe. His profile is considered suitable for teams looking to strengthen their defensive options, with Newcastle now among those watching developments.

Available information suggests Hellas Verona could ask for about 12m euros for Belghali. Additional bonuses may be included in the agreement, which could take the overall value of the transfer to as much as 15m euros. That figure is not considered beyond Newcastle’s reach, and the Premier League club is now monitoring the situation more closely.

No move has yet been confirmed, and Belghali remains a Hellas Verona player. However, the interest from Newcastle and the leading Italian clubs means the defender’s position could become one of the more closely watched transfer situations involving the club.

Newcastle are preparing to begin their English league campaign with a first-round fixture against Liverpool. Ahead of that match, the betting company 1xBet lists Newcastle at 3.05 to win, with a draw priced at 3.65 and Liverpool at 1.93.