Report: Newcastle in advanced talks to sign Marcao from Galatasaray

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are reportedly in advanced talks with Galatasaray to sign defender Marcao.

According to A Spor (and covered by Turkish-Football), the Magpies are in discussions with the Turkish giants over the 24-year-old, with Gala wanting €15 million/£13 million to facilitate a sale.

Newcastle are supposedly prepared to meet those demands, but a formal offer has yet to arrive.

Interestingly, the player has actually followed Newcastle’s official account on Instagram, which seemingly validates the reports of interest.

Marcao has been with the club since January 2019 and made 43 Super Lig appearances to date.

He finished his first half-season with the league title, Turkish Cup and Super Cup, but endured a disappointing campaign in 2019/20 with Gala finishing sixth and missing out on Europe.

With two years remaining on his contract, the player could well depart this summer before his value starts to decline.

Newcastle appear to be set on bolstering their defence, with Rob Holding also being linked with a loan move to St. James’ Park.

TBR’s View – Newcastle surely need attackers

While it seems Marcao would not be a bank-busting transfer, one has to wonder whether Newcastle have their priorities wrong.

Newcastle’s defence was relatively dependable last term – it was in attack where the shortcomings were.

Steve Bruce needs to ensure he gets a new striker in soon as goalscoring has been their main issue since their return to the Premier League.