Newcastle United appear to be stepping up their summer transfer window plans, with serious talks now underway for Werder Bremen's breakout star Karim Koulibaly.
BILD reports that Newcastle The move is on for the 18-year-old, who has become one of the Bundesliga's most sought-after talents.
Koulibaly has been a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Werder, who are still locked in a tense relegation battle with seven games remaining.
Despite that pressure, the teenager has emerged as the club's most valuable player, earning a call-up to Germany's U21 side and registering regular minutes in the Bundesliga this season. Now, Europe's elite are circling.
€45 million price tag set, Newcastle moving quickly
Werder is expected to lose Karim Coulibaly this summer, with the defender valued at around €45m. According to BILD, Newcastle and Chelsea have already held substantive, advanced discussions over a potential deal.
Both clubs are willing to meet the fee and view Koulibaly as a long-term defensive cornerstone.
Napoli and Marseille are also pushing, while scouts from another unnamed Premier League side were in attendance during Werder's vital 1-0 win over Wolfsburg. Burnley have also been interested since last summer.
Paris Saint-Germain have also made initial enquiries, although their interest is said to be less concrete at this stage. No formal talks have taken place.
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For now, Karim Coulibaly is focused on helping Werder avoid relegation. His performances this season have strengthened his claim for a starting role in the final stages of the season. This could help attract even more suitors before the summer window opens.
Newcastle United look keen to move forward. But they are already battling some of Europe's biggest clubs for one of the continent's fastest-rising defensive prospects.
This battle is already heating up, and it looks like those in charge at St James' Park are prepared to hang on no matter how hot it gets.
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➡️How are things right now...https://t.co/dLLTskDYdI #nufc #SSCinapoli- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 24 March 2026
