Newcastle 'convinced' €40m wonderkid transfer can save Saudi project after Champions League exit

Suraj Radia

• 19 Mar 2026 06:04 GMT
• 6 min read

Analysis

Newcastle have identified a wonderkid they are ‘convinced’ will help take the club to the next level after a devastating Champions League exit on Tuesday.

Eddie Howe’s side suffered a second half meltdown to lose 7-2 to Barcelona and crash out of Europe, leaving Newcastle’s season teetering, with the club sitting ninth in the Premier League.

In danger of missing out on European football and seeing their Saudi Arabia project stagnate after a summer of spending and optimism, Sky Sport Switzerland claim that Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser is being considered a ‘serious target’ for the upcoming transfer window.

Current ETV

Robin Risser

GK

Lens

Robin Risser

GK

Lens

€10.4M

ETV Range

€9.4M - €11.4M

View full profile

Risser is enjoying a breakout season for Lens and the 21-year-old has caught Newcastle’s eye, with his ‘profile being validated by the entire scouting department’ who are ‘convinced’ of his quality and potential.

Lens are said to be monitoring the situation and haven’t ruled out Risser’s sale if they receive an offer between €30-40 million and contact is already believed to have been made between the player’s representatives and Newcastle to gauge the interest.

Discussions are at an early stage and are expected to continue into the coming months to determine whether the talks will develop into a concrete move but Newcastle’s interest in Risser is ‘genuine’ ahead of the summer.

Newcastle looking to solve goalkeeping uncertainty this summer

Newcastle have endured a difficult season this year and their goalkeeping situation has led to issues, with Nick Pope being dropped for Aaron Ramsdale after a string of high-profile errors.

Ramsdale himself is in on loan from Southampton and Newcastle are yet to be convinced to take up their option to sign him permanently, having only signed the 27-year-old after missing out on long-term target James Trafford.

With Pope turning 34 next month and his contract set to expire in 2027, Newcastle are desperate to form a succession plan to their number one and are seemingly willing to splash the cash on an adequate replacement.

The Magpies will likely renew their interest in Trafford if he chooses to leave Manchester City this summer, while Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel is also believed to be a target but much could determine on where they finish this season and if they secure European football for next year.

’Outstanding’ Risser pushing to be France’s World Cup goalkeeper

At 6 foot 4 inches, Risser fits the mould as a replacement for the 6 foot 6 inch Pope, while his footwork is said to have ‘greatly pleased’ Newcastle’s scouts.

FootballTransfers senior journalist and French football expert Robin Bairner told The Transfers Podcast that he believes the youngster could quickly establish himself as France’s starting goalkeeper ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“Risser has been one of the outstanding goalkeepers in France this season,” Bairner said on The Transfers Podcast. “His save percentage is 75.9%, which ranks second in Ligue 1. He’s had two penalty saves, which is joint-first, and in terms of goals against per 90, he is ranked second-best behind PSG's Lucas Chevalier.

“He immediately became Lens’ number one. Lens weren't expected to really do a whole lot—this was meant to be a sort of transitional season for them—and Risser was emblematic of that. He was expected to join the club and be the number one, but he wasn't expected to have this sort of profound impact.

“There's already talk about him being called up to the France squad for the March internationals. He stands a really good chance of that, and it will likely be Chevalier that he replaces if he does get the nod.”

Verdict: One to Watch

While upwards of €30m is certainly a risk for a player who has less than a year of experience of top flight football, Risser could prove to be a bargain if he fulfils his potential and becomes Newcastle’s star goalkeeper for years to come.

Risser may initially struggle to fulfil expectations with such a high-profile step up but, should Newcastle miss out on European football, it may be difficult to convince Trafford or Kobel to join them and a young prospect could represent the best option.

With Pope still likely to be at the club next season, Newcastle will have comfort that they still have an experienced pair of hands to mentor Risser and turn to if he is slow to adapt, giving the Magpies a shrewd chance to secure a future star ahead of their rivals.

However, much will depend on the fee and the end to Newcastle’s season, as well as the decisions of other targets like Trafford, while Risser too may choose to remain in France for another season and build his experience.

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