Newcastle United’s €10 million (£8.3 million) bid for Sierra Leonean international Juma Bah has been rejected by Spanish club Real Valladolid, according to a report from Sportitalia.
The towering 6’5″ defender, who has impressed with his performances in La Liga this season, is attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bournemouth.
Newcastle’s offer marks a “concrete move” for the 23-year-old Bah, whose standout displays have caught the eye of top European scouts. However, Real Valladolid is holding out for a higher offer, turning down Newcastle’s initial proposal. Despite this, the Spanish club is reportedly open to a sale in the January transfer window if an improved bid is made.
Bah fits the profile of the young, high-potential overseas players that Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by Paul Mitchell, is targeting. With rising costs for domestic talent, Bah could represent a more affordable option compared to other targets within the Premier League.
The interest in the Sierra Leonean defender is growing, and with several clubs monitoring his situation, a bidding war could emerge in the upcoming transfer window.
As the January window approaches, it remains to be seen if Newcastle or another club will meet Valladolid’s asking price for Bah, who could soon make a move to one of Europe’s top leagues.
