Newcastle United set to snap up free transfer of former RB Leipzig defender – report

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on the signing of released former RB Leipzig and England youth international defender Matthew Bondswell.
Liam Kennedy
By Liam Kennedy
Published 10th Mar 2021, 18:34 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The pacey 18-year-old, according to the Telegraph, has agreed a deal with the Magpies and is set to start training with the club’s under-23 squad. Although, due to the fact he is a free transfer following his January release by the Bundesliga outfit, Bondswell could theoretically be involved in United’s Premier League run-in, if he impresses.

Former Nottingham Forest left-back Bondswell has four caps for England under-18s and is said to be highly rated by coaches in the international youth setup.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Magpies are said to have beaten competition from Leeds United and West Ham United for the player’s signature. Bondswell has also been scouted by Chelsea recently.

Most Popular
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James Park on November 01, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James Park on November 01, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St. James Park on November 01, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The player, picked out by scouts for his speed and athleticism, has spent the first half of the season on loan with FC Dordrecht in Netherlands' Eerste Divisie, a move which was cut short due to the player’s want to return to England. Nottingham-born Bondswell, a product of Forest’s academy, signed for Leipzig two and a half years ago.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor

Related topics:EnglandRB LeipzigMagpies