Newcastle United have completed the signing of Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Touré from TSG Hoffenheim for a reported fee of €50 million, smashing the Premier League club’s transfer record.
From Sweden to St James’ Park
The deal, confirmed by the Bundesliga side, represents a remarkable rapid rise for the Ivorian. Touré only joined Hoffenheim from Swedish football in February 2025, yet his performances proved so compelling that Newcastle activated his release just months later.
During his brief spell in Germany, Touré became instrumental in securing what Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker described as the club’s second-best season historically. Schicker praised the player’s progress under coach Chris Ilzer, noting that Touré had undergone “extraordinary development” since his arrival.
Record-Breaking Figures
The transfer surpasses the fee Newcastle paid for Joelinton when signing the Brazilian from Hoffenheim in 2019, establishing a new benchmark for the Magpies. Conversely, the deal also represents the largest sale in Hoffenheim’s history.
Schicker acknowledged the club’s reluctance to sell but explained the move aligns with Hoffenheim’s philosophy. “Of course, we would have loved to keep Bazou with us,” he said. “However, it is in line with TSG’s DNA and our chosen path to sign highly talented players and, together with our coaching team, to develop them systematically and enable them to make the step up to elite clubs.”
The winger himself expressed deep gratitude to his former employers. “TSG was like a family to me,” Touré stated. “We experienced a wonderful and successful time together, during which I was able to develop as a player and as a person. I thank my teammates and coaches, but also every single person at the club and the fans from the bottom of my heart.”
Looking ahead to his Premier League challenge, he added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Premier League, but TSG will always hold a special place in my heart.”