Newcastle United
Newcastle’s attack would flourish in the long run if they sign this 21-year-old starlet
Why Stephane Diarra could be a good long-term signing for Newcastle
According to claims from French outlet, L’Equipe, as cited by the Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are among a host of clubs keeping tabs on youngster Stephane Diarra, who currently plies his trade with Le Mans in the French second-tier.
Premier League high-flyers Leicester City, as well as reigning Scottish champions Celtic, are also monitoring the 21-year-old, who has impressed in the Ligue 2 this season following a permanent move to Le Mans in the summer. (L’Equipe h/t Chronicle Live)
Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Diarra rose through the youth ranks of Evian Thonon and made his professional debut in Ligue 2 back during the 2015-16 campaign as a promising teenager.
His abrupt emergence in the French second-tier paved the way for a move to the top-flight with Rennes but the 21-year-old largely featured for the club’s reserve side before being farmed out on loan to Le Mans in the summer of 2018.
The talented winger spent the entirety of the previous campaign on loan at Le Mans in the third-tier before making his stay permanent this past summer, having played a key role in the club’s surge for promotion to Ligue 2.
Diarra hasn’t looked back since then and has made a big impact in the second-tier this term, accumulating 4 goals and 3 assists in 22 appearances across all competitions so far.
The 21-year-old’s talent and potential have already put a host of bigger clubs across the continent on red alert and he might not be honing his skills in Ligue 2 for much longer.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have enjoyed a dramatic turnaround of fortunes under Steve Bruce since the start of November and the Magpies head into the Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford high on confidence, having accumulated as many as five wins in their last eight league fixtures.
The Magpies had found themselves reeling in the bottom half of the standings following a bizarre start to the campaign but a string of impressive results in recent weeks have catapulted them up to 9th in the Premier League standings.
Indeed, Christmas couldn’t have come at a better time for the fans at Tyneside but whether or not Newcastle will find themselves in the top half of the standings come the end of the season is something that only time will reveal. It would be quite a feat for Steve Bruce if he does manage to fight the odds and steer the club to a top-ten finish.
That the Magpies have managed to score 12 goals in their last 8 games represents a significant improvement on the scoring returns from their first 10 outings where they only accumulated a paltry tally of 6.
Despite that, however, Newcastle have often lagged behind their rivals when it comes to scoring goals and bringing in some attacking reinforcements in January would certainly make sense.
To put things into perspective, Stephane Diarra has been making waves in Ligue 2 with his rich vein of form this season and while he doesn’t really fit the bill as an immediate game-changer at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United shouldn’t hesitate to take a punt on the youngster as a long-term prospect.
Despite the likes of Miguel Almiron and Joelinton rising to the occasion in recent times, Newcastle still lack adequate depth in their wide attacking options.
Christian Atsu has proven himself to be more than a useful back-up for Bruce but the Magpies still need to prioritize recruitment on both sides of the pitch to enhance squad depth.
Verdict
Diarra, who is primarily left-footed but capable of playing out wide on either flank, has only just made his mark in Ligue 2 but his talent and potential have been there for everybody to see, meaning that Newcastle could have a gem on their hands in the years to come if the 21-year-old goes on to fulfill his promise.
The difference in terms of quality and intensity is quite massive when it comes to the Premier League and the French second-tier but there have been obvious signs to suggest Diarra is capable of making the step up to a more competitive league in the near future.
The likes of Said Benrahma, N’Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi and Riyad Mahrez all graced Ligue 2 before their emergence in English football and Stephane Diarra could be the next hidden gem in the French second-tier to surprise the world.
Plus, of course, the 21-year-old ticks age profile of young and developing players laid out by club owner Mike Ashley, who has always focussed on the resale value of players in a bid to fund future reinvestment.
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All in all, Newcastle United completing a move for Stephane Diarra could pay off handsomely for them in the years to come as the Magpies aim to push on for greater heights under Steve Bruce.
Newcastle United
Heidi Hills Hat Trick Helps Tottenham Women’s Under 19s to Big Win Over Newcastle as Young Forward Takes Season Tally to 10 Goals in Emphatic 7-2 Victory
Heidi Hills’ hat trick inspired Tottenham Women’s Under 19s to a big 7-2 win over Newcastle United in the Professional Game Academy League on Wednesday afternoon. The young forward got Spurs off to the perfect start at Hotspur Way as she curled home from distance inside four minutes at the training ground.
Although Casi Gregson grabbed a leveller for the visitors midway through the first period, Spurs showed a clinical edge in the second half to score six of their seven goals in the emphatic win. This is absolutely brilliant from Sabiha Jamal’s side, who have now extended their unbeaten run to four games in all competitions.
Wonderful Strike From Nife Aramide Reinstated Lead
A wonderful strike from Nife Aramide reinstated the lead minutes after the restart before Ruby Mace opened her account for the season to create a two goal advantage. Although the Magpies halved the deficit once again just before the hour mark, four goals in a 13 minute spell put any doubt of a late Newcastle comeback to an end.
Hills headed home the fourth before setting up Grace Bellwood for the fifth of the afternoon, making it four consecutive games with a goal for the young forward. She then grabbed a second shortly after to make it 6-2, which demonstrated the striker’s instinct.
Converted From Penalty Spot to Complete Hat Trick
Then, with four minutes remaining in the clash, Hills was brought down inside the area, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The versatile youngster stepped up and calmly slotted away for her hat trick, which is frankly exceptional for a player of her age.
It was Hills’ second hat trick of the campaign, following her treble against Gwalia United in the FAWNL Cup in October, and saw her move to double figures for goals in all competitions. Head coach Sabiha Jamal named Evie Northwood in the starting XI for her first start since October 2024.
Also read: Marc Skinner Blasts Man United Women After Latest Chelsea Loss, Calls The Blues’ Goals ‘Rubbish’
Newcastle United
Newcastle United Midfielder Signs New Contract Until Summer 2028 as Magpies Move to Secure Services of Rising Star Amid Promotion Push
Newcastle United midfielder Jasmine McQuade has signed a new contract with the club until summer 2028. The 23 year old has become a household name for The Magpies in the Women’s Championship and has been rewarded for her impressive performances with an extended deal.
McQuade initially joined Newcastle’s development team after impressing with Tyne-Tees neighbours Middlesbrough. She has since broken into the senior squad and established herself as a key player for Newcastle in their promotion push. The midfielder was part of the side that won the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division title back in 2023-24.
Twelve Appearances This Season
McQuade has made 12 appearances for Newcastle United in the Championship this season, scoring two goals. She has helped the club mount a serious bid for promotion to the Women’s Super League, with The Magpies sitting in the playoff positions as they chase a return to the top flight.
Newcastle have clearly identified McQuade as having a big future in the game and have therefore moved quickly to retain her services for an extended period. This is smart business from the club that cannot afford to lose its best young talent.
Over the Moon to Extend Stay
After signing her new contract, McQuade said, “I’m over the moon. I love being at this club, and to extend my stay is amazing. The club is so ambitious, we just strive for success. The club has no limits, and I love being part of it.”
These are exactly the kind of words Newcastle supporters want to hear from one of their rising stars. McQuade’s commitment to the project shows she believes in what the club are trying to achieve.
Newcastle United will return to action following the March international window. They face Sheffield United in their next Championship match at Bramall Lane on Saturday March 14, 2026.
Newcastle United
Newly-Appointed Manager Urges Newcastle Players to “Embrace the Chaos” Ahead of Managerial Debut
Tanya Oxtoby prepares to take charge of her first match as Newcastle United Women manager when Southampton visit the Gateshead International Stadium on Monday night.
The 43-year-old Australian was appointed on November 24 following Becky Langley’s dismissal in October, signing a contract until June 2029 that reflects Newcastle’s long-term ambitions under PIF ownership.
Excited to Be on the Grass Again – Tanya Oxtoby
Oxtoby admitted she has missed daily contact with players during her two years managing Northern Ireland’s national team, describing being back in club management as giving her “the biggest smile and buzz.”
She emphasized her passion for player development, stating that helping both players and staff improve represents a genuine privilege that drove her return to club football.
The former Chelsea assistant has spent recent days implementing her philosophy across training sessions at Newcastle’s Gateshead base, telling players to be brave, forward-thinking and embrace the chaotic nature of football: “My main message has been to be brave but also be forward-thinking and embrace the chaos, because football isn’t pretty all the time.”
Immediate Improvements Already Visible
Despite only conducting a handful of sessions since officially starting work, Oxtoby confirmed she has already witnessed improvements from the Newcastle squad. She praised the players for embracing her coaching methods and enjoying the challenges she sets, noting everyone at the club shares massive ambitions for where Newcastle Women can progress.
The Magpies sit fourth in the Women’s Championship after nine matches, though they have played fewer games than promotion rivals Charlton and Birmingham City due to League Cup commitments. Newcastle’s most recent home league fixture came on October 12, making Monday’s clash their first competitive match at GIS in nearly two months.
Tanya Oxtoby set for first game as Newcastle United Women boss
— UNLEASH THE MAGPIE TV (@_UTMTV) December 4, 2025
Bringing a wealth of experience from her time as manager of the Northern Ireland national team and as an assistant coach at Chelsea Women.
Tanya “‘THIS TEAM WILL BE BRAVE”#nufcwomen #newcastleunited #wsl2 pic.twitter.com/Kt3FXbU324
Also read: Who is Tanya Oxtoby? Australian Quits Northern Ireland Job to Move to Newcastle United
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