'Delighted' - Newcastle United confirm new signing three days after transfer window closes
Newcastle United have finally confirmed the signing of the 18-year-old midfielder.
Newcastle United have announced the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ousmane Diabate from Genclerbirligi SK.
It comes less than 24 hours after the Premier League listed Diabate on the Magpies’ official squad list as an under-21s player. Genclerbirligi manager Metin Diyadin also said last week that a deal had been completed.
United are understood to have paid around £2.9million to sign Diabate and, as part of the deal, he will spend the 2026-27 campaign back on loan at the Turkish Super Lig club.
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“From the moment Newcastle showed interest, I knew it was the kind of ambitious club I wanted to be part of,” Diabate said. “The project here is exciting, and the supporters have an incredible reputation. Feeling that energy behind me is something I’m really looking forward to.
“I always tried to approach every match with total commitment, working hard, giving everything, and pushing myself to improve.
“My aim is to grow as a player and show people what I can bring to the team. I want to help Newcastle compete at the highest level and achieving things that make the club and supporters proud.”
Newcastle claim to have fought off competition from multiple clubs across Europe to sign the teenager, who has already made his senior debut for Guinea, featuring in a friendly against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in June.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson said: "We're very pleased to welcome Ousmane to Newcastle United. He's an exciting talent who has already shown real potential, progressing through a strong programme in Guinea before gaining valuable senior experience in Turkey.
"He's been on the radar of a number of clubs, so we're delighted he sees his future here with us - credit to our scouting team for identifying him early and working hard to get the deal done. It was a pleasure to meet him recently. We are following his progress closely.
"His exposure to first-team football at such a young age, along with his recent international debut, shows the trajectory he's on. Going back to Genclerbirligi will give him the chance to continue the development he's already shown while remaining firmly within our long-term plans."