Newcastle United have reopened talks to sign Edmond Tapsoba, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender emerging once again as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old Burkina Faso international, who played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign, is now firmly back on the Magpies’ radar as they look to bolster their defensive options for the 2025–2026 season.
After an initial approach last summer failed to materialise into a deal, Newcastle appear ready to make a renewed and more aggressive push for the central defender.
Their interest has been reignited amid shifting priorities in the transfer market and the need for defensive reinforcements ahead of a season in which they aim to re-establish themselves among England’s top four.
Newcastle’s original top choice had been Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace. However, with the England international now reportedly on the verge of joining Liverpool, the Tyneside club has turned its focus back to Tapsoba—a player they already admire and have scouted extensively.
According to Africa Top Sports, Newcastle have reignited discussions with Bayer Leverkusen and are weighing up a formal bid.
BBC Sport journalist Harry De Cosemo confirmed the renewed interest, revealing that preliminary talks between the clubs had taken place previously, but ultimately stalled last summer.
With circumstances now altered, Newcastle are reportedly more optimistic about completing the transfer.
“The chances of them signing him are definitely higher this year,” De Cosemo stated on his Transfer Daily channel. “Newcastle can really sell their project to Tapsoba.
He’s highly rated and has been linked with several Premier League clubs in recent years.”
This time, the context is notably different. Leverkusen’s recent changes—including the departure of manager Xabi Alonso and the expected arrival of Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah for £35 million—have shifted the dynamics at the German club. With squad reshuffling underway, Tapsoba may now be more accessible than he was 12 months ago.
Tapsoba, who has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most composed and physically dominant defenders, would be a major acquisition for Newcastle.
His presence at the heart of defence could significantly strengthen a backline that struggled with consistency during the last campaign.
In addition to domestic challenges, Newcastle are also motivated by their ambition to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Strengthening defensively is viewed as a key step toward meeting those aspirations, especially with the Premier League becoming increasingly competitive.
Tapsoba, under contract with Bayer Leverkusen and currently enjoying a well-earned summer break, has yet to publicly comment on the links.
However, with the transfer window now open and Newcastle showing firm intent, a move to St James’ Park may soon become a concrete possibility.
Should the deal progress, it would mark a significant statement of intent from Newcastle, who remain determined to build a squad capable of contending on both domestic and European fronts.
