Transfer News

Newcastle United have ‘strong interest’ in AFCON starlet who already rejected them last summer

Add as preferred source on Google

While a number of new targets emerge for Newcastle United this month, it’s interesting to see the Magpies potentially going back in for a player they already tried to sign last year.

The January transfer window is now open, and we have hopes that Newcastle can do some exciting business this month.

Do Newcastle United need to sign a ‘number 10’ in January?

Imagine having a maverick like HBA or Ginola again! 😍

Hatem Ben Arfa celebrates after scoring for Newcastle Untied against Bolton.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Granted, Eddie Howe has apparently been told that Newcastle will not make any significant signings in this window.

But, there is a definite need for reinforcements, and one attacking target in particular could be a brilliant acquisition if the Magpies can get a deal done.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Newcastle United FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Newcastle looking at Christian Kofane again

According to a report from Africa Foot, Newcastle are considering going back in for young Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane.

If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the Magpies were linked with the Cameroonian last May. However, while Newcastle, Man United, and Aston Villa all tried to sign the youngster from Albacete, he opted to join Leverkusen instead.

Since then, Kofane has been a revelation in the Bundesliga. He has five goals and five assists to his name this season, and has just made waves at AFCON for his country with two goals in his first three appearances.

Now, both Newcastle and Man United want to try to sign Kofane again. Real Madrid are also keen, with all three clubs having already ‘expressed strong interest’ in getting a deal done. Whether that is in this window or in the summer is unclear.

Fill in the blank ✍️ Will Osula will be a _ player by the end of the January transfer window!

Graphic of Eddie Howe's quote on Will Osula's Newcastle United future.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Kofane could be ideal replacement for Will Osula

Obviously, a move for Kofane just a few months after joining Leverkusen is unlikely. But, he may be a player Newcastle very much need, especially if Will Osula leaves the club this month.

Talks are ongoing to sell Osula to Frankfurt, which would leave Newcastle and Eddie Howe short in the striker department. When fit, Osula is the Magpies’ third-choice forward, and without him there would be a lot more pressure on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to stay fit and keep firing.

Bringing someone like Kofane in would essentially fill that gap and give Newcastle a younger talent to develop behind their star strikers. It’s not exactly an upgrade or even a switch-up the Magpies need to make, but if Osula is going anyway, then someone needs to replace him.

Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!