Newcastle to Hijack Tottenham Move?

Magpies Eye Evann Guessand Amid Spurs Negotiation Stalemate

The summer transfer window rarely goes as smoothly as fans hope. For Tottenham Hotspur, what once looked like a clear path to signing Nice forward Evann Guessand is now becoming murky. As Spurs’ negotiations reportedly stall, Newcastle United have entered the frame, threatening to hijack the move.

What Happened: Spurs Stumble, Magpies Move In

According to reports from Africa Foot, Newcastle have made initial contact with Guessand’s entourage. While they haven’t yet sat down at the table with OGC Nice for formal talks, this early move could be a tactical one — especially given the uncertainty surrounding Tottenham’s pursuit.

Spurs have been tracking Guessand for weeks now, seeing the 23-year-old as a versatile attacking option who could add much-needed depth. But with discussions slowing down significantly — possibly due to their ongoing transfer saga with Morgan Gibbs-White — they may find themselves overtaken by faster, more decisive suitors.

The Bigger Picture: Gibbs-White Drama Creating Havoc

Nottingham Forest v AS Monaco – Pre-Season Friendly

Tottenham’s ambitions this summer appear to be at risk of falling short, and much of that has to do with the frustrating stalemate involving Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Spurs have made multiple advances, but Forest are digging in their heels and are reportedly refusing to sanction any move for the England international.

This bottleneck has not only delayed potential midfield reinforcement but has also slowed down negotiations for players in other positions — Guessand included. For a club that needs attacking reinforcements and width, this is far from ideal.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are staying active. With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson as central strikers, adding a player like Guessand — who can play across the front line — would give Eddie Howe flexibility. Guessand’s ability to stretch defenses or play centrally makes him an attractive proposition.

Who is Evann Guessand?

Let’s get to know the man at the centre of this transfer triangle.

Born in France but representing Ivory Coast at international level, Evann Guessand is a 6ft 2in forward known for his physicality, work rate, and ability to finish with either foot. Still only 23, he has already made 108 senior appearances for Nice, scoring 21 goals.

His most productive season came just last term, where he netted 13 goals and contributed assists from both central and wide positions. A product of the Nice youth academy, he has matured quickly through loan spells at Lausanne-Sport (Switzerland) and FC Nantes, where he developed his tactical understanding and sharpened his skills.

Guessand’s contract runs through 2028, meaning Nice are under no pressure to sell on a discount. However, they are understood to be open to parting ways with the striker if the right offer arrives.

Villarreal and Fenerbahçe Also in the Mix

It’s not just Premier League clubs showing interest. Villarreal have reportedly had regular conversations with Nice about Guessand, positioning themselves as serious contenders.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe have also been linked, offering Guessand the prospect of a leading role in a team with European ambitions under a legendary manager. While Turkey may not offer the same spotlight as England or Spain, the Mourinho factor can’t be overlooked.

That said, Guessand is believed to be prioritising a move that aligns with long-term growth, both in terms of development and exposure — factors that may sway him toward the Premier League.

Newcastle’s Strategic Interest

For Newcastle, this is more than just a transfer rumour — it’s an opportunity to pull off a smart piece of business. With Champions League ambitions still very much alive on Tyneside, Eddie Howe and the recruitment team are looking for players who can hit the ground running but also grow within the club’s evolving project.

Guessand, with his age profile and flexibility, ticks a lot of boxes:

• Depth: Can play centrally or out wide
• Physical profile: Premier League-ready size and athleticism
• Work rate: Suits Howe’s pressing style
• Ceiling: Still developing, with room to grow

While Newcastle have not yet submitted a formal bid, making contact with the player’s representatives is often the first step in their strategic approach. The Magpies have a history of moving quickly once they identify the right target. If Spurs continue to dawdle, Guessand could be heading to St James’ Park before they realise it.

Tottenham’s Summer So Far: A Growing Concern

For Spurs fans, this summer has been one of unfulfilled potential so far. The club has been linked with a host of names — from Marc Guehi to Maxence Lacroix and Illia Zabarnyi — but few moves have actually materialised.

Now, with the Gibbs-White saga dragging on and the Guessand talks losing momentum, there’s a very real possibility that Spurs could miss out on several of their top targets. That’s a dangerous position to be in, especially considering the added fixture load coming with European football this season.

Thomas Frank’s side needs reinforcements. Guessand was seen as a relatively low-risk, high-upside addition. Letting Newcastle swoop in would only fuel more frustration among supporters already questioning the club’s direction.

What Happens Next?

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The coming weeks will be crucial. Newcastle, Villarreal, and potentially Fenerbahçe are waiting in the wings. Spurs, for their part, need to make a decision: step up negotiations and close the deal — or risk letting another promising talent slip through the cracks.

With Guessand’s reputation steadily rising, especially after his strong season at Nice, the window to secure his signature could close quickly.

So who will act first?

Will it be Newcastle, leveraging their momentum and clarity in recruitment? Or can Spurs regroup, finalise their priorities, and land a player who could shape their attack for years to come?

Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain — Evann Guessand is no longer a hidden gem, and the battle for his services is heating up fast.