Newcastle United and West Ham United will reportedly face off in the race to sign Toulouse star Logan Costa this summer.
Newcastle United have entered the race for Toulouse defender Logan Costa, joining West Ham United and Bologna in the pursuit of the highly-rated 23-year-old centre-back.
Gianluca Di Marzio had earlier reported that both Bologna and West Ham had shown keen interest in Costa, and now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Eddie Howe’s side are also in the hunt. Toulouse have set a price tag of around €15 million for Costa, who has impressed with his performances in Ligue 1.
Bologna are looking to secure Costa’s services with an initial payment of €11 million, supplemented by a series of ‘easy’ bonuses to reach the total value Toulouse are seeking. However, this offer may not suffice for the French club, who could hold out for a more straightforward deal closer to their €15 million valuation.
Newcastle United’s financial might
Newcastle United, with their significant financial muscle, could easily outbid the Italian side’s proposal, making them strong contenders in this transfer saga. For the Magpies, adding Logan Costa could be part of a broader strategy to strengthen their defensive line. Eddie Howe’s side have been linked with multiple central defensive options this summer, and Costa is the latest name on that list.
As things stand, both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are out injured, leaving Newcastle United to deploy Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, and Lloyd Kelly at the heart of their backline. Having seen a rigid backline torn to shreds last season, the Magpies will be keen to ensure they have the quality as well as the numbers going into the new campaign.
A golden opportunity to make a name
Unlike Newcastle United, West Ham United already have a deep and quality roster at centre-back. With the likes of Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Max Kilman, and Konstantinos Mavropanos likely to be ahead of Costa in the pecking order, the 23-year-old French-born African defender could struggle for regular playtime.
Newcastle United’s interest in Logan Costa signals their intent to invest in young talent capable of developing into a first-XI mainstay. Costa’s performances in France suggest he has the potential to develop into a top-tier defender. However, integrating a relatively untested player into the Premier League always carries risks.
If the Magpies or Hammers can secure Costa for a reasonable fee, it could prove to be a shrewd investment that pays off in the long term, providing them with a solid defensive option for years to come. However, the player will need to fight his way into the playing XI and prove he has the minerals to succeed in the Premier League.
