Robin Risser: Newcastle lead Tottenham in transfer race to complete £34.5m summer deal
Robin Risser is a more likely signing for Newcastle United than Tottenham Hotspur as they bid to find a new number one goalkeeper this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Both clubs are in the market for the addition of a new stopper ahead of next season, but the Magpies hold a clear edge in the race for the 21-year-old Lens star, as they are more likely to qualify for European football.
The starlet has been identified as a clear candidate for the Tynesiders, but sources say that a deal could be “difficult” for them to strike without Champions League football, due to the fact that Lens are on course to qualify in Ligue 1.
The French side are under little pressure to sell the 21-year-old at the moment, as they are pushing PSG all the way in the title race, and as a result, they are holding out for a fee of around £34.5million to sanction a sale.
Newcastle’s transfer plans have seen a new goalkeeper emerge as one of their key priorities ahead of 2026-27, but if Lens qualify for the Champions League themselves, then a deal may not come easily.
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Newcastle clear of Tottenham in Robin Risser race
Risser has been one of Ligue 1’s standout goalkeepers so far this season, as his tally of 10 clean sheets is currently higher than any other player in the division.
The France U21 international is developing a big reputation for himself in his country’s top-flight, and he has been integral to his team’s efforts to fight their way towards the top of the table this term.
Naturally, that has resulted in Premier League interest, with Tottenham also viewing him as a candidate to don their number one shirt next term, according to Jeunes Footeux.
The Lilywhites are casting their net out to try and find a replacement for the outgoing Guglielmo Vicario, but the uncertainty surrounding their position in the Premier League could provide problems for them.
Newcastle are the more likely candidates to strike a deal for Risser at the moment, but even their chances look set to hinge on the Champions League outcomes at both St James’ and Lens.
Magpies’ board take fresh Eddie Howe sack stance
Football Insider revealed on Monday that the Newcastle board remain firmly behind Eddie Howe, despite a tumultuous week that has seen calls for him to be sacked increase.
The club hierarchy remain conviced that he is the right man for the job, even after a heavy defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, and a crushing loss to bitter rivals Sunderland last weekend.
Howe has led the North East outfit into the Champions League in two of the last three seasons, while last year’s Carabao Cup triumph was also their first major domestic trophy since 1955.
The boss is said to have plenty of credit in the bank as a result, although it has already been made clear that next year’s remit is to qualify for European football.
However, Howe looks set to be the man to lead that charge in 2026-27 once again, despite the presure that has built up from certain sections of the fanbase.
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