Aladji Bamba, the France-Guinea defensive midfielder currently at Monaco, is being linked with a move to Newcastle United as the Premier League club assess options at the base of their midfield. The 20-year-old, who wears No 23 for the Ligue 1 side, is understood to be on Newcastle’s radar as they explore targets in France ahead of the new season.
Bamba is under contract at Monaco until 30 June 2030 and is valued at around €18 million, a figure that would require Newcastle to make a significant investment to persuade the Principality club to sell. No agreement is in place and discussions are described as exploratory, with Monaco in a strong position to dictate terms given the length of the player’s deal.
Born in Blois in July 2006, Bamba has progressed through Monaco’s academy after arriving from Blois 41’s youth ranks in 2021, stepping up from the club’s U17s to the U19s before being promoted to the first team on 1 July 2025. He has already featured in Ligue 1, making 18 appearances and providing two assists, and has gained early experience in European competition with minutes in the UEFA Champions League.
Bamba was part of the Monaco U19 side that lifted the French Youth Cup in 2022-23, further enhancing his reputation within the club’s system. For now, he remains tied to a long-term contract at Monaco, who face no immediate pressure to sell as interest from Newcastle continues to develop.
