After failing to sign Marc Guehi, Newcastle United continue to search for a centre-back.
The Magpies tried and failed to sign Marc Guehi during the summer, leaving a gaping hole in the Toon defence. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle squad could desperately do with another defensive option, especially as long as Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are injured.
But Newcastle also need to look to the future. It is unclear who Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement will be. While the Swiss defender is still an outstanding player, there is going to come a time when the 32-year-old needs to be replaced.
Guehi would have been perfect for that role. In truth, he still would be perfect. However, a move to Tyneside in 2025 currently feels unlikely, with Guehi set to keep his options open until the summer.
Newcastle United are fans of Loic Bade
As for Newcastle, they are looking at possible alternatives to Guehi. The Magpies have been scouting Abdukodir Khusanov, while Paul Mitchell now has his eye on La Liga.
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United are fans of Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade after scouting the Frenchman.
“He’s playing ever so well this year, and a lot of clubs are looking at him,” he said.
“Obviously Newcastle are one of them. They are looking at more than a dozen centre-backs, which is not a massive surprise. Loic Bade is one of them.
He is attainable in January. Hee would probably cost half of what Marc Guehi would cost. There is that Premier League tax that we talk about, so it’s something Newcastle are looking at.
“Bade is one of the players who has impressed. Newcastle like him after watching him.”
Loic Bade is playing well for Sevilla
The 24-year-old is currently shining for Sevilla, after joining the Spanish side on loan in January 2023.
Following some impressive displays, Bade joined Sevilla permanently that summer, and has continued to excel ever since. He even won his first ever France callup back in September, but is still waiting to make his debut for his country.
But just being selected is a testament to Bade’s ability, given France’s embarrassment of riches.
And given the fact he is a good age and right-footed, he could be a decent option for Newcastle. Interestingly, Bade was actually linked with Newcastle back in 2021 when he was still at Lens. However, that was Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United, at a time when money was tighter than ever.
Loic Bade was once at Nottingham Forest
While Bade is playing very well for La Liga giants Sevilla, he was once on the books at Nottingham Forest.
After they won promotion to the Premier League in 2022, Bade was one of 22 new players to arrive at the City Ground.
Bade joined Forest on loan, but did not make a single appearance. His loan spell was terminated in January 2023, before joining Sevilla a day later.
It was reported by the Athletic at the time that Forest had no problems with Bade’s professionalism or attitude, but were unwilling to play an unproven defender when they were fighting for Premier League survival.
It will go down as a missed opportunity for Forest, who are currently flying in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
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