Bazoumana Toure speaks in his first interview on the decision to sign for Newcastle United from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
The 20-year-old, who made three appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Ivory Coast who reached the round of 32 but lost to Norway, has signed for an undisclosed fee.
Bazoumana becomes the club’s second senior arrival this summer following the addition of coveted French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who officially became a Newcastle United player on Wednesday.
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Bazoumana said: “I’m very, very happy to be here. It was my dream since I was young to play in the Premier League for a big team like Newcastle.
“Newcastle is like a family, which will help me show my best on the pitch. I will give my best every single day for this shirt.
“I’m very excited to join Newcastle and I can’t wait to meet my team-mates, the supporters and everybody at the club. I’m also very excited to play at St. James’ Park for the first time.”
He continued: “It was very hard, many teams wanted to take me, but I was talking with my agent and iu said I prefer to play with Newcastle.
“In my head I wanted to choose Newcastle above another team. Tha’s why I am here today, I’m very happy to be here.
“I’m really pleased and very happy because it really is a dream to one day get the chance to play in a World Cup and then at the same time be able to play in the Premier League.
“I feel very blessed today. I’ve finished the World Cup and then set straight off to come to Newcastle, and so I’m just so happy to be here today.
“I’m feeling very excited and don;t have the words, but I’m extremely happy to be here.
“Since i was a young kid I used to watch the Premier League and I wanted to play there. And during this transfer window things were pretty lively.
“But me, all I wanted to do was to play for Newcastle. I don’t know, but in my heart of hearts, I really wanted to be here at Newcastle.
“And by the grace of God that’s what has actually happened thanks to my representatives and the club itself!
“And so, i’m really, really so happy to be here at Newcastle today.
“Everybody knows Newcastle, whether it be in my country or anywhere else.
“Everybody is aware of Newcastle. Newcastle is a big club.
“I’ll give everything that I have. When I’m out there on the pitch, I always want to play my best.
“Whether it’s in a training session or elsewhere, I have that desire to play my football.
“Once I’m on the pitch, I put everything out of my mind and just give everything I’ve got. I will give it my all for this shirt. Once we’re out there, I give everything.
“My family are very happy and delighted to have learned this news. They asked me what the club is like and so I told them a bit.
“They even did some of their own research about the club. They learned that it’s a great club and they’re very pleased that I’m here at Newcastle today.
“It’s all about doing and giving my absolute best; giving one hundred per cent both on and off the field and always being respectful towards everyone here, including the fans.
“I’ve seen these supporters and hope i can make them feel good so they can trust in me because I will give my all for them.
“I’ve learned also that these fans arde just amazing both during the game and away from the match too.
“So I hope that the fans can get to like me and rest assured I’ll be doing everything I can to win them over.
“I’ve not had the chance to speak with the coach, we’ve not got to meet up yet, so I haven’t ever chatted with him.
“But I can tell you I have spoke with the Director of Football and he told me how keen he was for me to be here.”
Watch his interview in full HERE.
Head Coach Eddie Howe said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to bring Bazoumana to Newcastle United.
“He has shown his ability to perform in a top European league during his time in Germany and has gained really good experience with his national team, especially at this summer’s World Cup.
“We feel that he’s a player with a really high ceiling – he’s somebody who we believe can offer us something different. He also a lot of potential to unlock and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Bazoumana to Newcastle United. At just 20 years old, he’s already a hugely exciting young talent who has progressed year on year.
“We are sure there’s plenty more growth still to come – development we’re excited to nurture here at Newcastle. We’ve been working to get this transfer arranged in recent weeks, whilst Bazoumana has been at the World Cup.
“Finally, I’d like to thank TSG Hoffenheim for their professionalism in all of our discussions and for the care they’ve shown him. I know they share our excitement in Bazoumana’s quality and potential.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Bazoumana Toure speaks in his first interview on the decision to sign for Newcastle United…
@agbnufc_: He even got the ‘ONLY wanted Newcastle’ angle in. Suck on that Fabrizo.
@NUFCLC: “Many teams wanted me but I only wanted to be here” aye fair enough big lad I’m sucked in again 😮💨
@NUFCMurph: WE WORK WEEKENDS. Welcome to Newcastle United fella 🖤🤍
@sammyhdg33: lewis hall and bazou. best left side in the league
@chazza_nufc: “i prefer to play for newcastle” you fucking sexy man we’re gonna make movies son
@CB54345407:
Eddie went to Germany to watch a game,
He said “that winger, what’s his name?”
He goes by Bazoumana Toure,
And he’s from the same country as Chieck Tiote
Bazoumananananana
To the tune of A Horse with No Name
@Deeej_89: Hopefully we see the old high press with Toure and Elanga out wide and a midfield that moves the ball quickly #NUFC
