Newcastle United are monitoring the progress of defender Abdulay Juma Bah, who is catching the eye on loan at Spanish side Real Valladolid from AIK Freetong.
The Sierra Leonean talent, 18, has become a regular for LaLiga side Real Valladolid this season. Having started the campaign on the bench, he has begun five out of Valladolid’s last six games. The 6ft 5ins defender has reportedly managed to work his way onto Newcastle United’s radar ahead of a potential swoop.
The Magpies have been keeping close tabs on Abdulay Juma Bah, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Everton and Crystal Palace in the Premier League. If the Geordies are to sign him, he would be regarded as a future prospect rather than a first-team squad option.
Abdulay Juma Bah being scouted by Newcastle
Newcastle have been in rollicking form of late, winning six consecutive games in the Premier League of late to break into the top four. Their aim will be to bring Champions League football nights back to St James’ Park after missing out this term, and for that to happen the Geordies must fortify their squad.
With Jamaal Lascelles a long-term casualty and Sven Botman recently returning from a serious knee injury, Eddie Howe is seemingly planning to bolster his defensive ranks. Dan Burn has constantly played for Newcastle across two seasons, but at 32, he needs rest moving forward. Also, Fabian Schar at 33 is no spring chicken. Perhaps, the chiefs at St James’ Park are planning for the future, as evidenced by their interest in recruiting Juma Bah.
The teenager is likely to be on the move in the summer, when his temporary spell Valladolid is due to expire. Newcastle’s lack of quality depth in defence has resulted in them weighing up the possibility of fast-tracking their plans by going for the African talent in January. He has limited experience in LaLiga, playing only 11 times. However, that has been enough to catch the eye of Newcastle scouts.
Comfortable on the ball, aerially dominant and tenacious in the tackle, Bah has the raw ingredients to excel in Howe’s system. Given the Sierra Leonean’s rise in stock, the Toon Army must do everything possible to get his signature this month before allowing him to complete his loan with Valladolid this season.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
