Newcastle United ‘push ahead’ on transfer for 19y/o - despite major surgery blow
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe’s side have been linked with signing Toulouse star Dayann Methalie.
Newcastle United are reportedly set to ‘push ahead’ with their interest in signing Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie this month, despite the 19-year-old requiring surgery on a knee injury.
The Mail Online report that Newcastle United hope to beat competition to the signing of Methalie by getting a deal for him sealed this month, rather than waiting until summer when interest in his signature is expected to increase. Whilst Methalie has undergone surgery on a knee injury, he is expected back in action within a month.
Who is Dayann Methalie?
Methalie is a 19-year-old versatile defender who has rose through the ranks at Toulouse. He can play at centre-back, at left-back or even in midfield and has played four times for France Under-21’s.
Methalie made his first Ligue 1 appearance for Toulouse on the opening day of the season and whilst being a defender by trade, has often been deployed on the left of a back five and been tasked with getting up the field to support the attack. He has been a regular in the Toulouse starting XI this season having made 17 appearances in all competitions.
What’s the latest on Newcastle United’s interest in Dayann Methalie?
Newcastle United have very recently had to deal with a defensive injury crisis with Eddie Howe having just three fit senior defenders to pick from at the end of 2025. That crisis was somewhat relieved at the weekend following the inclusion of Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier in the matchday squad ahead of their win over Crystal Palace.
However, with the majority of his central defensive options having passed 30 years of age, there is a need to refresh that part of the pitch with players that have a long-term future at the club.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Methalie doesn’t turn 20 until February and whilst he would not be a first-team regular straight away, he is someone that would add depth to that centre-back cohort and potentially offer them a long-term option. Speaking about Newcastle United’s January transfer window, Howe revealed that the club would plan their business around their current injury issues: “Without evading the question, it's about where our squad is at in terms of injuries,” Howe said.
“So if everyone's fit and available, I think we've got a really well-balanced squad and it would be difficult in January to improve that squad.
“If we don't and we lose players, especially defensively with the game schedule we have in January, then that leaves a totally different opinion. So I think it's based on that.”
The January transfer window is also the first time that new sporting director Ross Wilson will be able to flex his muscles in the transfer market following his arrival from Nottingham Forest. Financial restrictions have forced the Magpies to be very quiet in the last couple of winter windows but there is money to spend this month if the right player comes along.
Newcastle United have already made one move this month as Antonio Cordero’s loan spell at KVC Westerlo was cut short in favour of a switch to Spanish side Cadiz.