Emotional goodbye before potential transfer to Newcastle United – Looks good for Magpies

Newcastle United are likely to sign a goalkeeper in the summer and have a few names in their list.

Earlier this month, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that Newcastle United hover over Werder Bremen goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. His value is around €12m and seen as a reasonable signing.

He joined the Bundesliga side’s academy in 2018 and made his way into their first team in 2021.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 season on loan at FC Volendam and has been Werder Bremen’s No.1 over the last two seasons. He has five clean sheets and conceded 56 goals from 32 games this season.

Newcastle United keen on Backhaus

At the weekend, the stopper started in Werder Bremen’s 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund at home. It was their last match of this season as the German club finished 15th.

Bild say Mio Backhaus received a standing ovation from the home supporters for avoiding a heavy defeat with numerous saves. After the match, he and his teammates thanked the fans for their support.

At that time, the goalkeeper appeared ‘remarkably emotional, his eyes slightly moist’ and Bild suggest he was saying goodbye to Werder Bremen.

ARD asked about his future and he said: “We’re spending two or three nights away with the team. Then I’ll think about it.” 

He will join his teammates on a trip to Ibiza, after which the German club must make a decision on his future.

Bild say ‘there is interest from Newcastle United’ while SC Freiburg are also in the running to sign him.

The track leading to Freiburg could get hotter if their current No.1, Noah Atubolu, were to move elsewhere and they qualify for the Champions League by beating Aston Villa in the Europa League final. In short, the Magpies will face competition to sign Backhaus.

Werder Bremen officials hint at sale

Their manager, Daniel Thioune, has a desire to hold on to Mio Backhaus but will accept if he were to be sold.

“It would be desirable to have Mio Backhaus in the team. He was one of the few bright spots and winners this season. If Backhaus decides to leave, I will accept it,” he said.

Werder Bremen managing director Clemens Fritz suggests the stopper’s sale is essential to improve finances.

“Mio Backhaus has had an outstanding season, which no one could have predicted. We are dependent on transfer revenue. We have to see what happens in the next few weeks,” Fritz explained.

Newcastle United awaiting Aston Villa result

Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping for the Villans to beat SC Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

This would improve Newcastle United’s chances of convincing Mio Backhaus to pick them over the Bundesliga side.

Transfermarkt value the goalkeeper, who has a contract at Werder Bremen until 2028, at €12m.