Exclusive: Bournemouth Target Toulouse Rising Star Dayann Methalie Amid Newcastle Interest

Bournemouth are gearing up for a January transfer showdown with Newcastle United after setting their sights on Toulouse defensive enforcer Dayann Methalie, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising young defenders, with his no-nonsense style and rapid rise putting him firmly on the radar as the winter window approaches.

Methalie has been a key figure for Toulouse this season, earning rave reviews for his tough-tackling approach, strong positional sense and calmness under pressure. Comfortable playing in a back four or a three, he’s shown the kind of versatility Premier League clubs crave.

Bournemouth see Methalie as the ideal option to bolster their defence as they look to add steel and depth for the second half of the campaign, especially having lost Milos Kerkez to Premier League champions Liverpool in the previous transfer window.

Insiders believe the defender’s physicality, aggression and willingness to put his body on the line would make him a natural fit for the demands of English football.

But the Cherries face stiff competition. Newcastle have also been keeping close tabs on the Toulouse man as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his squad and add competition at the back ahead of a busy run-in.

Methalie’s rise has been swift. Since breaking into Toulouse’s senior side, he has made more than 70 first-team appearances, scoring four goals, all from set-pieces, underlining his threat at both ends of the pitch.

COMPOSURE

He’s also impressed with the ball at his feet, showing a willingness to step out from defence and start attacks, while maintaining a high level of composure despite his relative youth.

And it’s not just Premier League eyes on him, our sources understand clubs from Spain, Germany and Italy are also understood to be tracking Methalie, with scouts watching closely as the defender continues to develop into one of Ligue 1’s standout prospects.

Methalie has previously spoken openly about his ambitions, saying: “I want to test myself at the highest level, against the best players. That’s how you grow.”

He added: “I’m focused on improving every part of my game and seeing how far I can go.”

With interest building and the close of the January transfer window fast approaching, Toulouse could soon find themselves fighting to keep hold of their prized asset while Bournemouth and Newcastle prepare for a transfer scrap that’s only just getting started.

Interestingly, Bournemouth have also been linked with Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles, who has struggled for game time, and with Marcos Senesi seemingly likely to depart the south coast, the Cherries are keen to bolster their defence should that move go through.