Newcastle seal £34m move for Monaco's Bamba

Newcastle United have signed Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba for a fee which could rise to £34m.

The Frenchman has joined the club on a five-year deal after undergoing a medical on Tyneside on Thursday.

"I was very excited when I heard Newcastle were interested in signing me," the 20-year-old said.

"I know about the history of the club and I've visited the stadium already, which is amazing. I can't wait to be on the pitch there and hope to have some great times with the fans.

"I'm excited to test myself in a new league, the biggest league in the world. I learned a lot last season and now I feel ready for this new opportunity. I will give my all for this club."

Bamba only made his professional debut last season, but caught the eye of Newcastle with his performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9).

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said he was "another exciting, young signing who we're really looking forward to working with".

"Aladji adds depth and a range of qualities to our midfield options, with huge potential for growth," he added.

"His development since breaking through at Monaco has been really impressive and something we believe we can help him build on."

This move for Bamba underlines a marked shift in transfer strategy for Newcastle.

It is certainly hard to imagine the club spending £55m on a 29-year-old again like they did when they signed forward Yoane Wissa from Brentford last summer.

Instead, Newcastle have targeted players aged 20 and under on the continent this time around.

Bamba, like fellow new arrivals Sean Steur, Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure, will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

It is worth stressing Bamba has made only 12 competitive starts in all competitions for Monaco.

But Newcastle have to take calculated risks this summer before such talents become potentially out of reach.

Just like Newcastle's £23m move for Steur, negotiations were carried out discreetly by all parties involved.

News that an agreement had been reached arrived only when Bamba was on his way to Tyneside.

Further reinforcements are needed, but Newcastle have now completed their fourth signing of the summer.

By contrast, at this stage of a particularly turbulent window a year ago, the club had brought in only Anthony Elanga.