Newcastle tracking Karim Coulibaly ahead of summer transfer move

Newcastle tracking Karim Coulibaly ahead of summer transfer move

Newcastle United continue to track the progress of Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly, according to Bild.

The Magpies have been eyeing the highly-rated young centre-half and can swoop for him this summer.

The Newcastle transfer target has caught the eye with his performances for the struggling German side.

Despite being only 18, he has established himself as a key player for Werder, playing a crucial role in their bid to avoid relegation.

Coulibaly has won 47 percent of his aerial and 51% of his ground duels in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season, helping to keep three clean sheets.

While Newcastle have an established defensive pairing in Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, they have to start planning for the future.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are getting up there in age, and Newcastle need a young successor who can take the reins from the two veterans.

Newcastle have been snapping up young talents from across the globe, recently completing a deal for Ecuadorian talent Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle.

Coulibaly might be up next. According to Florian Plettenberg, he will cost around €50 million, but Newcastle are not alone in the race for his signature.

Chelsea have also been tracking the left-footed German defender, providing competition for the Geordies.

If Bremen’s relegation situation softens their stance and the fee drops, Coulibaly begins to look like a gamble worth taking.

His reading of danger already stands out for a player of his age, stepping in to intercept passes and throwing himself into blocks with impressive timing.

There is rawness in his aerial numbers, but that feels coachable under Eddie Howe, who has a track record of refining defenders into more dominant, complete profiles.

What Coulibaly does possess is harder to teach. His recovery speed is outstanding, allowing him to defend large spaces and cover for teammates. He has a high ceiling.

With the right guidance, those physical and technical traits can be moulded into something far more reliable.

For a club thinking long-term, Coulibaly has the tools to grow into a very good centre-back.

If Newcastle can secure him at a reasonable price, it is a risk that could pay off handsomely.