Newcastle pushing to sign long-term Brighton target with ‘concrete talks’ ongoing

Newcastle United could usurp Brighton by signing a long-time target of Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with the Magpies in active pursuit of his signature.

Newcastle making early dash for summer signings

Newcastle’s recruitment team are not waiting around.

With one Premier League game left to play and the season not yet officially over, Eddie Howe‘s backroom staff have reportedly been working the phones, and the early returns suggest the Magpies are determined to make this a summer of meaningful activity at St James’ Park.

The most advanced piece of incoming business remains the pursuit of Lamine Camara.

TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that there is a growing belief within football circles that the 22-year-old Monaco midfielder is destined to join Newcastle, with scouts having made repeated trips to France throughout the season to watch the Senegal international.

The £39m-rated defensive midfielder fits the profile Howe is looking for — young, physically commanding, tactically versatile — and the club are understood to be among the most determined suitors in a crowded race that also includes Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Newcastle talks are rumoured to be taking place over the signing of Camara, as backed up by Fabrizio Romano, while it is also believed that Reims sensation Ewen Jaouen has reached an agreement in principle to join Howe’s side (Sacha Tavolieri).

Now, another target has emerged, and it is between the posts again.

Newcastle pushing for Brighton target and Werder Bremen star Mio Backhaus

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are one of several clubs in ‘concrete talks’ over a deal for Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.

The 22-year-old German-Japanese shot-stopper has been one of the breakout talents of the Bundesliga this season, making 32 league appearances as Bremen’s undisputed number one.

Standing at 6 foot 4, he combines an imposing frame with excellent distribution and a composure under pressure that has drawn comparisons with some of the division’s more established keepers.

Plettenberg reports that Bremen would prefer to keep Backhaus but acknowledge they need to generate income this summer, and are demanding up to £17m for a player whose contract runs until 2028.

Talks are ongoing with multiple clubs, but no agreement has been reached. Freiburg are also in the mix domestically, adding Bundesliga competition to an already crowded picture.

TEAMtalk had previously reported that Brighton are long-time admirers of Backhaus, having tracked him as part of their established strategy of identifying and recruiting high-potential young talent from across Europe.

The Seagulls have been monitoring the goalkeeper for some time, and their interest is described as serious. Inter Milan and AC Milan have also made enquiries, underlining the breadth of attention Backhaus has attracted.

A move to the Premier League reportedly appeals to the player.

Further fuelling speculation about an imminent departure, Werder Bremen are reportedly in advanced talks to permanently sign Arsenal loanee Karl Hein, a move that would effectively confirm the club are preparing for life without their current first choice.

For Newcastle, the goalkeeper position has become a pressing concern.

Aaron Ramsdale’s loan from Southampton is set to expire this summer, and Nick Pope — while still the club’s number one — turned 34 in April.

Bringing in a young, high-ceiling keeper to provide competition and long-term succession planning makes clear strategic sense, and Backhaus’s profile fits that brief neatly.

Whether Newcastle can fend off Brighton, Freiburg and the Italian clubs will depend on the financial package they are willing to put together — and how quickly they move.

As well as Backhaus and Jaouen, Newcastle have been repeatedly mooted as suitors for Man City’s James Trafford.