Newcastle sign Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for £42m

Newcastle United have signed winger Bazoumana Toure from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in a deal worth £42 million, the club have confirmed.

The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international becomes Eddie Howe’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, also 20, last month. Toure is the first outfield player to arrive at St James’ Park in what is expected to be a busy transfer window on Tyneside.

World Cup exposure ahead of Premier League move

Toure represented Ivory Coast at the World Cup, starting their opening group match against Ecuador before making two further substitute appearances during the tournament. His performances on the biggest stage will have done little to dampen interest from Newcastle, who have moved quickly to secure his signature.

The winger’s arrival comes after Newcastle banked around £170 million from the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, leaving Howe with significant funds to reinvest in his squad. Toure’s £42 million fee suggests the Magpies are already putting some of that money to work, with more incomings anticipated before the window closes.

Toure delighted to fulfil Premier League dream

Speaking after completing his move, Toure said he was thrilled to be joining Newcastle. “I’m very, very happy to be here. It was my dream since I was young to play in the Premier League for a big team like Newcastle,” he said.

He added: “Newcastle is like a family, which will help me show my best on the pitch. I will give my best every single day for this shirt. I’m very excited to join Newcastle and I can’t wait to meet my team-mates, the supporters and everybody at the club. I’m also very excited to play at St James’ Park for the first time.”

What it means for Howe’s squad

With Gordon having left the club, Newcastle have been in need of fresh options in wide areas, and Toure’s arrival addresses that gap directly. His experience of top-level Bundesliga football at Hoffenheim, combined with his showing at the World Cup, will have given Howe confidence that the youngster is ready for the step up to English football.

Newcastle fans will now be watching closely to see who follows Toure and Jaouen through the door at St James’ Park, with the club understood to be far from finished in the transfer market this summer.