‘Medical completed’ – Newcastle United set for €45m defender signing
Newcastle United were linked with RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan earlier in the transfer window
Al-Nassr are on the brink of signing RB Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan, according to reports.
The Saudi Pro League club, owned by the Public Investment Fund, the entity that holds an 85 per cent stake in Newcastle United, look set to complete a €45million deal. Simakan had been linked with a move to Tyneside earlier in the window.
Liverpool were another Premier League club reportedly expressing interest in the 24-year-old following Joel Matip’s exit. Capable of playing centre-back or right-back, Simakan was touted as a potential alternative to Marc Guehi.
“Yes, I can confirm that,” Palace boss Oliver Glasner said when asked whether Guehi would stay. “But it was never really in doubt. First of all, congrats to Crystal Palace, the chairman, and everyone who didn’t give in.
“Especially after the transfer of Joachim Andersen, it was very important that Marc stays. Also thank you to Marc. We were always very close and talking a lot.
“All the rumours didn’t influence his performance, his mood, his personality. He always told me he’s not pushing to leave Crystal Palace and, for me, that’s the most important thing, that the players tell me that they like to play for Crystal Palace.”
Signing a defender now appears unlikely and would confirm a frustrating window for the Magpies. PIF kept their powder dry in January for the summer but, Lewis Hall aside, Newcastle have only signed Lloyd Kelly, William Osula and two backup goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Simikan joining Al-Nassr only furthers Toon fans’ frustration given PIF’s involvement and Newcastle’s need for defensive reinforcements. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on social media that the Frenchman completed the first stage of his medical earlier today.
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