Newcastle United officially confirm second summer signing - with another major announcement imminent
Newcastle United transfers: Bazoumana Toure has joined Newcastle to become the club’s second summer signing.
Newcastle United have officially confirmed the signing of Bazoumana Toure from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
The deal is thought to be worth around £43million with the 20-year-old signing a ‘long-term contract’ at St James’ Park.
Toure has been away at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast national team, featuring three times. But it was at Hoffenheim last season where the young winger caught the eye with five goals and 12 assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances, helping his side secure a fifth-place finish and Europa League qualification.
Bazoumana Toure reacts to Newcastle United transfer
Following his arrival, Toure told the club website: “I’m very, very happy to be here. It was my dream since I was young to play in the Premier League for a big team like Newcastle.
“Newcastle is like a family, which will help me show my best on the pitch. I will give my best every single day for this shirt.
“I’m very excited to join Newcastle and I can’t wait to meet my team-mates, the supporters and everybody at the club. I’m also very excited to play at St. James’ Park for the first time.”
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Eddie Howe & Ross Wilson react to summer transfer breakthrough
Toure arrives as a direct replacement for Anthony Gordon on the left wing. Gordon left Newcastle to join Barcelona for £70million this summer.
“We’re really pleased to have been able to bring Bazoumana to Newcastle United,” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said. “He has shown his ability to perform in a top European league during his time in Germany and has gained really good experience with his national team, especially at this summer’s World Cup.
“We feel that he’s a player with a really high ceiling – he’s somebody who we believe can offer us something different. He also has a lot of potential to unlock and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Bazoumana to Newcastle United. At just 20 years old, he’s already a hugely exciting young talent who has progressed year on year.
“We are sure there’s plenty more growth still to come – development we’re excited to nurture here at Newcastle. We’ve been working to get this transfer arranged in recent weeks, whilst Bazoumana has been at the World Cup.
“Finally, I’d like to thank TSG Hoffenheim for their professionalism in all of our discussions and for the care they’ve shown him. I know they share our excitement in Bazoumana’s quality and potential.”
NUFC plot next move with transfer exit imminent
Toure is Newcastle’s second signing of the summer behind 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who joined from Stade de Reims for £18million.
His arrival coincides with Sandro Tonali’s exit to join Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth up to £100million. Newcastle have announced Toure’s arrival prior to Tonali’s departure, but the Italian has already spoken on the record about his imminent move to Spurs.
“We had a sort of agreement with Newcastle [to leave],” Tonali said. “We spoke every day and we made it. They wanted the best from me, we wanted the best deal for them. We parted on excellent terms , we're all happy and I'm ready for this new adventure.”
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