Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Stade Reims’ Belgian defender Wout Faes, who is also a target for AS Roma.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United are lining up a swoop for Stade Reims centre-back Wout Faes in the upcoming summer transfer window.
A product of the RSC Anderlecht youth setup, Faes has had stints at Heerenveen, Excelsior and KV Oostende before making his way to Reims in January 2020. The centre-back joined the French club on loan initially before the transfer was made permanent six months later. The Belgian has been an integral part of the team ever since and has made 74 appearances to date.
Faes featured in 37 Ligue 1 games in the 2021/22 season and even contributed with four goals. His performances at the heart of the defence have not gone unnoticed as Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma have taken an interest in the Belgian centre-half. And now Newcastle United have also joined the pursuit of the 24-year-old defender.
Having survived the threat of relegation, Newcastle United are set for a crucial summer transfer window as they look to build a team capable of pushing for the European spots. The Magpies strengthened their defence in January with the acquisition of Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, more reinforcements are sought by manager Eddie Howe, considering that the likes of Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez do not have a future at St James’ Park. A move for Sven Botman of LOSC Lille has been mooted heavily, but the Dutchman’s signing is made difficult by the number of clubs pursuing his services.
It has compelled Newcastle United to look at other options in the market, with Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings emerging as an option. There is also an interest in Le Havre starlet Isaak Toure, for whom they are willing to pay €9 million this summer.
Now, Faes, too, has popped up on the radars of the Tyneside outfit as a prospective target. The report states that Newcastle are trailing AS Roma in pursuit of the 24-year-old Belgian. However, given that his contract runs until 2024, Reims are set to demand a significant transfer fee for his services.
Given Roma’s well-known financial issues, Newcastle could pull ahead in the race to sign Faes in the summer, thanks to the deep pockets of their new owners. Rated very highly, the 24-year-old can be a solid addition to the roster at St James’ Park if a move materialises this summer.
