Newcastle United are a step away from formalising Ousmane Diabaté’s signing from Gençlerbirliği SK this summer.
The Turkish club’s manager, Metin Diyadin, confirmed the 18-year-old has already secured a move to St James’ Park and Ajansspor have relayed his comments.
Details of Newcastle United agreement
The Magpies haven’t made the defensive midfielder’s arrival official yet, after making firm advances to sign him.
Last week, we relayed new of the player travelling to England to carry out medical tests with Newcastle United.
At the weekend, Sport Witness covered a report from Turkey explaining that the Premier League side have reached a total agreement with Gençlerbirliği SK and the player.
The Tyneside club are offering Ousmane Diabaté a four-year contract, with an option for another year.
The Süper Lig side have agreed a €3.5m deal [€3.1m plus €400k bonuses]. He will return on loan for a season, and Newcastle United can recall him in January.
Newcastle United announcement pending
Matthias Jaissle’s side already have an agreement with both the attacker and his club. He has completed his medical tests and only the official announcement is missing.
On Monday, the Guinea international played the full 90 minutes in Gençlerbirliği SK’s 1-0 league win over Göztepe SK.
Metin Diyadin spoke to the reporters and confirmed Ousmane Diabaté has completed a move to Newcastle United.
“I came here during the mid-season last year [season]. He was playing in the youth team. We brought him into the team, and because he came from Africa, there was a contract process there. We couldn’t develop him during that process,” he said.
“After me, Coach Volkan came. If I’m not mistaken, he played in a cup match against Galatasaray and 1-2 matches in the league. His potential is very high. We completed his sale to Newcastle United. He is currently playing for us on loan.
“He is a very mature player for his age. His game vision and technical ability are also good. I think he will reach different levels as he plays more. I’m really curious how our teams didn’t see this in a situation like this. We transferred him to England.”
Key transfer points
- Last week, player travelled to England for Magpies medical
- At the weekend, Turkish press reported PL side’s total agreement
- Diabaté to return on loan for a season, Jaissle’s side have recall clause
- Gençlerbirliği manager now confirms midfielder sold to Newcastle United
