Report: Newcastle plot move for teenage wonderkid who just starred against them, he could be sold in January

Written on Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Jonathan Gorrie

Newcastle United’s search for a new midfielder could take them to a young player who shut down Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes only a few weeks ago.

The midfield area appears to be one Newcastle United are looking to strengthen in the January transfer window.

Indeed, Newcastle have been linked with moves for Kees Smit and Kevin Danois as they look to bolster the options in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Knowing what you know now, would you have sold Alexander Isak in 2024 instead of Elliot Anderson? 🤔

In this scenario, we still win the Carabao Cup by the way 😂

One didn’t want to leave. The other did his best to.

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On paper, the midfield department looked like one of the strongest areas in the Newcastle United squad.

Still, Joelinton has struggled to scale previous heights, while Joe Willock has been linked away.

As such, a new signing could be made and Marseille’s Darryl Bakola could be an option.

Newcastle United interested in Marseille midfielder Darryl Bakola

According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle are one of the clubs interested in the 18-year-old.

The French club believe they can keep the midfielder beyond the extent of his current contract, which expires in 2027.

However, what happens in January could decide his long-term future. If the teenager doesn’t sign a new deal, he could be sold.

Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal are all credited with an interest.

Who is the one player you were FURIOUS with Newcastle United for selling? Go back as far as you want!

I’ll start: I’m still not over Mike Ashley selling Andy Carroll to Liverpool all those years ago!😡

Andy Carroll playing for Newcastle United, Ivan Toney playing for Brentford.
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Darryl Bakola made his Champions League debut against Newcastle United and outperformed two of their stars

Newcastle fans will be relatively familiar with Bakola.

The midfielder made his Champions League debut against them in November and provided an assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Bakola played very well up against two Newcastle stars in Guimaraes and Tonali in midfield.

Olympique de Marseille v Newcastle United FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
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Frankly, he outperformed the two.

While Bakola was booked for diving in rather ridiculous fashion, he played very well on what was a big occasion.

Bakola’s Marseille beat Newcastle in the Champions League and while Nick Pope’s mistake out in France was a major factor, the teenager’s performance can’t be overlooked. 

The teenager had 33 touches in just over an hour of action, winning one interception and making two ball recoveries.

He even robbed Tonali of the ball before Marseille scored, only to see Malick Thiaw deny Aubameyang before his two goals.

Guimaraes didn’t enjoy his finest game either, with Marseille growing into the game after falling behind early. 

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