Newcastle United is allegedly interested in signing Leeds United teenager Cody Drameh.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old as the January transfer window approaches.
Drameh is a right-back who is presently competing for minutes under Jesse Marsch at Elland Road. He joined Leeds from Fulham in 2020 but has yet to make an impression in the Premier League.
This could lead to him leaving in January, and Newcastle appears to be one of the clubs interested in signing him. According to the Daily Mail, Borussia Dortmund is also intrigued. They want to emulate the deals with Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.
The fact that Dortmund is keen is a good indication of Drameh’s potential. They have their finger on the pulse so often when it comes to talented youngsters.
Newcastle wants one for the future in Drameh
Drameh is not the first young right-back who Newcastle has targeted in recent times. They also made a move for West Ham’s Harrison Ashby during the summer. However, Dan Ashworth was unable to finalize a deadline-day deal.
The Magpies are still on the lookout for someone in that position and have now turned their attention to Drameh. The fact he is only 20 years old is appealing, as it means he wouldn’t need to be named in Eddie Howe’s 25-man Premier League squad.
Drameh has barely featured for Leeds this season, making just one appearance in the Premier League. He started on that day when Marsch’s side lost 5-2 to Brentford.
But while his one and only league outing didn’t go to plan this season, he was much better in the previous campaign. Drameh went on loan to Cardiff, where he was named their Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.
He certainly impressed then-manager Steve Morison, who described Drameh as a ‘Duracell Bunny‘ running up and down the flank. That’s the kind of energy that is needed to be a modern-day full-back, and it’s why Newcastle has one of the best in the business right now.
Howe’s first-choice right-back is currently Kieran Trippier. He has been a star since joining Newcastle and has arguably been our best player this season.
But he is 32 years old, meaning the Magpies will need to think about having a long-term replacement. And that could be Drameh.
He has the potential, and training alongside Trippier could really help develop his game. He might not feature immediately if he moves to Newcastle, but with the right coaching and attitude, he could eventually take the £12million man’s place when the time comes.
