We reported in mid-May that Newcastle United had registered an interest in Birmingham City’s 27 year-old Olivier Kapo.
Olivier Kapo - good player who is available
The Daily Mail is reporting tonight that Newcastle have joined the queue to sign French 6′2″ midfielder, Olivier Kapo, now that his team, Birmingham City, will allow him to leave in the summer to reduce their total wage bill
We’re not sure if this is new news or just a recirculation of the previous story.
The French international had an excellent debut season in England with Birmingham, following his £3M move from Juventus last summer.
Newcastle are said to be willing to bid up to £5M for Olivier, and that would be difficult for the Midlands club to turn down.
That’s two Birmingham midfielders Newcastle seem to be pursuing, with the other one, 23 year old right midfielder Sebastian Larsson still wanted by Birmingham City, in the Championship.
But whether they can keep him is a completely different matter.
Both players seem quality and would appear to be good additions to the Newcastle squad, at fairly reasonable prices.
We’ve already bid £4.2M for Larsson and probably could capture Kapo for less than £5M.
Olivier Kapo, full name Narcisse-Olivier Kapo-Obou was born in September 1980 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
He is a French international, Ivorian-born football player who has previously played at Auxerre and Juventus (then off to Monaco and Levanate on loan) and signed for Birmingham Cityonly last summer.
He appeared for Birmingham 26 times last season and scored 5 goals, and played for France 9 times from 2002 until 2004, scoring 3 goals.
Comments welcome.
64 responses so far ↓
1 true toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:56
We don’t KNOW that there has been a bid for Larsson although i hope there has. Kapo just doesnt float my boat i’m afraid. He’s decent but nothing special. . .definately not a Turan, Arshavin!!!
2 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:06
Kapo is a good player. More to the point its another mdfielder and one that can pass and score!
3 catawbamag // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:10
Considering the state of our midfield, I’d welcome the addition of Larsson or Kapo. I’d like better, but we not only need starters, we need backup players also. Barton looks to be out, and Butt isnt getting any younger.
4 DMAG // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:12
Great!
Let’s buy Kenny Miller and that little Twat from Reading the Shite across the water want!
5 thelonghanks // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:14
Would love to see some development in at least agreeing a deal with a club for a player we want.Would love to get larsson,he was briminghams best player when we played them couple of months ago.Havent seen much of kapo this season but rated him at juventus. 8m for the both of them cuz we need midfielders big time.
6 Israel will die by the sword (51times) // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:17
I quite like him.
7 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:19
ticks all the right boxes for me.
8 Yahya Ahmad // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:22
I would prefer Larsson and other more high class players!
9 Rafael Van Der Vaart // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:27
i would like him as a squad signing. but he is haunted there is ghost beside his ear lol
10 Toonboy // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:32
Never happen as he’s to old,imo i dont rate him.
11 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:44
He’s alright. Nout special. For 5 Million I’d like to see better. Decent player though.
12 geordiekk // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:52
teams seem to be holding out till after euro’s hoping the players value will go up so surely after gomis displays in the last 2 games we should lower our bid its only fair i think
13 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:54
I really rate Kapo, him and Larsson would be two perfect signings for us.
14 ToonTimbo // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:55
Larsson - relegated last season, Kapo - relegated last season, Shorey - relegated last season, Marion - plays for second division spanish team! What are Newcastle chasing these players for? if they were good enough to play for newcastle, they would be playing for spurs or at least be in the premier league - not be looking foward to a fixture gainst doncaster rovers next season!
15 Tez131 // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:56
I think if we could get both of these for under £10 mill and we should go for it.
Larson is a great player good passing, got a smashing shot and also has good flair/vision.
Kapo is something we really don’t have at the minute. He is 6′ 2 strong and positive running. He would give our midfield a bit of presence and height. Although we still need a younger Def Mid to eventually take over Butt.
It really depends on how much money we have to spend, I would not be happy with just these 2 if we are selling Emre and N’Zogbia/ Milner …
I hope we start to get some news on players so I know the level of backing keegan has…
I am hoping for £30mill + whatever he makes on selling players…. or an I being too hopeful?
16 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:57
1 or 2 players don’t make a team ToonTimbo. the teams were relegated not the players, they are good players.
17 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:06
Id say to Brum: £10mil for Kapo, Larsson, De Ridder.
18 tanya toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:15
Tom toon are there any British players you rate? Israel blah blah what sort of name is that meant to be.
19 Spyro // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:17
They would never accept 10 million for those 3. However, i think 15 million is still a good deal and would be accepted.
To all the doubters on here, Kapo is definite quality and he would be a great addition to our team. He has pace, strength, and very good technical ability. I rate him very highly and he is one of the reasons i wanted Birmingham to get relegated, so he would be back on the market.
Also, it doesn’t matter what team the player comes from, that is an idiotic outlook on things. e.g. Aaron Ramsey is a class youngster and just signed to Arsenal from Cardiff…YES CARDIFF
20 Spyro // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:21
@ Tanya Toon
De Ridder is Dutch and is a very good young player. Birmingham didnt play him much for some strange reason, but he was one of the players who really impressed in the U-21 world cup
21 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:28
Is he actually a target or more paper talk? unsure about Kapo!! would look at better players first! but once again is there money or not? IMO we will have to bring in 9 - 10 talented/quality players thus we need to spend £60million to get any decent position in the league next season! unsure what MA wants! or is playing at!!
22 tanya toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:33
Cheers Spyro sounds good if we get those 3 for 10mill.
23 gordond // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:33
Are Valencia not trying to sell some players ? What about Carlos Marchena play’s center back / defensive midfield & only 28 years old 3 or 4 good years still in him.
24 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:35
Tanya toon - Joe Cole and Hargreaves, rest are overrated piles of shite. I rate most of the english players however most of overrated to the hilt and overpaid and way too expensive for what they are.
25 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:36
Spyro - Not 15mil mates, maybe more than 10 but about 12. They got De Ridder for free and they dont play him because McCleish actually said hes too good a technical player to play for them while in a relegation battle.
26 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:43
A question for you guys! in you opinion!
How many more of our Crap players will go?
How many will come in?
realistically who are our targets?
How much is MA going to spend? after our selling!
27 Bluenosesol // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:43
Folks, re the derogatory comments about Larssen playing against Doncaster next season - He is currently doing something that Gerrard, Terry and co are not - playing for his country in the Euros!, Please bemoan him here and say what a poor player he is - that way he will be playing against you in the prem season after next!!!
28 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:46
Tanya Toon - Take Gareth Barry for example. Yes a good, steady player. Worth £15-20mil?!?! Is he hell!
You can buy a european of his quality for about £8-10mil.
Dont give me any of this ‘6+5′ crap, its not going to happen, EU law will not sanction this.
29 Spyro // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:48
fair enough tom toon. tell the truth, i would be happy if we got any two of De Ridder, Muamba, Larsson or Kapo. All a good players who would improve our squad, especially Kapo
30 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:49
Bluenosesol - 95% of here think Larsson is quality. Now take you blue arse off this site and look forward to hoofball in the fizzy pop league with a chance of you making the playoffs after your best players leave you for better teams.
31 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 0:49
Not Muamba, he cant pass for shite!
32 Leo // Jun 14, 2008 at 1:23
how the funk did birmingham get relegated is what i want to know…
with players like de ridder kapo muamba larrson zarate and that striker whos name slips my mind erm the one who played for everton who ripped faye when we played them…
33 Leo // Jun 14, 2008 at 1:25
if we could get kapo muamba and larrson it would be good they would add alot to our midfield
muamba is good at what he does, he may not be able to pass great but isnt he the nicky butt style player (but tall) if we can bring some good midfielders in it will be good for butt (or muamba) because they can give the easy passes to them for them to then make the killer pass
damn i am drowning on now, had a top night, pulled a cracker and it isnt even xmas lmao
34 LLLLLarsson // Jun 14, 2008 at 1:31
After the Euros do not expect to get much change from £10 mil for Larrson. TBH you can have Kapo, far to lazy to play in the Prem but has a left foot like a rocket. McFadden and Larsson are out untouchables thats why we are cashing in on Muamba to the trotters for £6mil. Oh and if we can do a straight swap for N’Zogbia for Kapo then great!
35 ScottyT // Jun 14, 2008 at 2:33
haha nooo muamba is a no go.. ad ratha nt buy ppl frm birmingham unless they come cheap.
wers tha quality man?!?!
36 Tom_Toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 2:39
Goalissimo just did a piece on Chermiti. ‘Africa’s best young talent’.
37 bluenose gaz // Jun 14, 2008 at 2:51
you can have kapo, he started off well, then when things got cold (in the weather sence) he disappeared, so god only knows how he will cope with the geordie weather
38 LyNx18 // Jun 14, 2008 at 4:07
Honestly I prefer we should go for Arshavin…Aimar
39 petworth (DC) magpie // Jun 14, 2008 at 4:51
Off but… Milner for Kuyt?
40 catawbamag // Jun 14, 2008 at 5:06
“that striker whos name slips my mind erm the one who played for everton who ripped faye when we played them…”
Leo,
McFadden was the striker. Played a canny game against us.
41 The Entertainers // Jun 14, 2008 at 6:21
This one does worry me, hes no Arda, VDV or Aimara and the position he plays does tend to be left mid or behind the strikers!
Looked good last season at Birm’, up when the rest of his team mates were so poor he bloody should have.
Stick with Larsson, forget Kapo and the other lad in midfield for them
42 Toooooooooooooooooon // Jun 14, 2008 at 6:37
buy anyone from croatia ! good but expensive
43 newcastlefan // Jun 14, 2008 at 7:04
I’ve seen with birmingham, his good and able to create chances for stikers. Instead of going for Turan or bafetimbi gobis which may not come to newcastle, better go for this player.
44 toonoholic // Jun 14, 2008 at 7:33
Newcastle United have moved in to sign Russian star Andrei Arshavin after his club Zenit St Petersburg gave him the green light to head for the riches of the Premier League
Arshavin, 27, is at Euro 2008 but is suspended for the country’s first two group games.
Dennis Wise, Newcastle’s director of football, who has already held talks with Arshavin’s agent over a £11m transfer once Euro 2008 is over.
Arshavin has also been linked with moves to Manchester City and Everton.
it might be BS , but i still like it !
45 UtdwestandaginstUtd // Jun 14, 2008 at 8:13
Kapo would not leave for under £5 mill. But if Newcastle sign him I’ll be surprised he’s complete crap! Can’t score, can’t pass, can’t create chances, ridiculed with injuries.
46 Ian // Jun 14, 2008 at 8:47
France on their way out even with Henry’s efforts, looking at Gomis no matter how good he may be in the future I would save £8m and buy Cisse before Wigan or another grabs a bargain.
Cisse runs past people like Bellamy and Martins and plays well today not in a year or twos time.
47 Nick Dryden // Jun 14, 2008 at 8:50
Kapo doesn’t tick any boxes. But I do think a joint bid for Larsson and Muamba would be great. A bit harsh saying Muamba can’t pass!!
Good Passing is the bible at the Emirates. Amazing stock of riches that Wenger has to be able to let those 2 go. add in Zarate and we’re virtually sorted.
48 John // Jun 14, 2008 at 8:52
Arsghavin news is quality..It would be amazing to get someone like him.
I’d say he’s every bit as good as Turan probably even better on current form…
Come on wisey lets get this one tied up
49 ALEX, the Israeli toon // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:01
Looking at the Euro there are some bargains in the Austrian, Russian, Polish and Greek teams. All those teams most probably will no progress but i saw at least two player in each that can add to our quickly depleted squad. That add one or two real class players to spark our midfield and i will be satisfied.
50 TONY HAWKINS // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:10
YOU CAN HAVE MUAMBA AND KAPO.I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU GEORDIES THAT MUAMBA CANT PASS A BALL TO SAVE HIS LIFE. BUT 5 MILLION WILL COME IN HANDY.AS FOR LARSSON “HANDS OFF”
51 Geordie Gerrard7 // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:10
yes slags, we have bid 11 mill for andrei the russian sex pest. qaulity, id love him central and turan on the left.
52 Steve // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:12
Ian… Are you having an affair with Cisse?
53 Marat18 // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:33
Arshavin rumour is also in russian newspapers, so may be truth.
but what with our “youth politic” now? Dunne’s (CB) too old at 28, Arshavin (MF, F) is ok at 27?
54 Ian // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:35
Steve not yet!!!! Just he is so cheap the premiership club that doesnt grab the chance to buy at this price is making the mistake of the decade!!! I follow a few players and he is one of them, dont have posters etc or memeber of fan club! but I know what he is worth to a team because I have watched so many of his games, honestly that player is a gift, £1-2m above Ameobi’s price!
France needed him last night to bring on as a sub and start running at Hollands tired defense, like Martins he would have caused chaos and even if he hadnt scored himself another player may of.
I knew it would cost the coach his job dropping him, Cisse scores in the more important high pressure matches, he did the same for Liverpool and Marseille nothing has changed.
Who else with that hit record at top level is available for that price?? AND under £80k per week?
Robben played well too, another player I love to watch even though he is injury prone, wished we could find a midfielder like that from somewhere.
55 autibo // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:47
to me we should be looking at romania very closely. they defend superbly as a unit - goian CB and radoi DM have both looked outstanding. they also dont lack technical ability. i also like the look of dica in midfield…most of these players would probably come reasonably cheap and would jump at the chance to prove themselves.
muamba is a decent prospect, larsson is a very good no-nonsense player
at least we’d get effort and commitment from thsese lads rather than players who would be coming for a payday or because they were forced out of their old club
56 Geordie Gerrard7 // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:52
marat- what kind of things are they saying in the russian newspapers?
57 Steve // Jun 14, 2008 at 9:54
Interesting perspective. I’ve read before your justification as to why he wasn’t particularly successful in his previous stint. I agree that he’s class, just not sure he’s what we need… Food for thought though…
58 Marat18 // Jun 14, 2008 at 10:04
GG7
first of all, source mentioned is Lancashire Evening Post (or Telegraph).
then the say that the bid of 11mln is accepted by Zenit and DW is in negotiations with Andrei’s agent, also they expect the deal will be done until the end of Euro.
59 Geordie Gerrard7 // Jun 14, 2008 at 10:19
THATS GOOD THEN, HOPEFULLY THIS ONE IS TRUE
60 LLLLLarsson // Jun 14, 2008 at 10:56
Nick Dryden, Muamba can not pass! He can’t pass to save his life!
61 SurreyBoy // Jun 14, 2008 at 11:21
Alright Northern Mugs. Enjoying watching Modric play? HaHaHaHa.
62 oga // Jun 14, 2008 at 15:33
Lol at Surrey. Any bootleg Londoners.
Anyway,Gomis had a shocker last night, which should drive his price down. However I am in agreement with Ian (but not quite as obsessed :)) . Cisse would be a really good option at this moment in time. A good compliment for either Owen or Martins, because of his pace, strength and work rate. An added bonus is his shooting. Owens best partner was Heskey, while Martins was Adriano, and Cisse plays very similar to both.’
I have to say he did impress me last time he was here. When given a chance he performed well.
I also would definitely like to see Kapo here to provide competition for central midfield. He is a class player, with a willingness to shoot and adds some more height to our team. His name is an added bonus as well.
63 daveynic // Jun 14, 2008 at 16:40
Surreyboy u southern fairy, you been on the shandy this afty? Modric looked crackin mate, howd you enjoy the 4 - 1 annihilation on your own patch? seems we always give you boys a good roasting!
64 Ian // Jun 15, 2008 at 10:48
Oga I would love to see Kapo too, very good player, we are going to have to overpay in the midfield there just isnt the quality of midfield player on the move to try and buy, really tough area at the moment.
I definitely do not want a young striker unless someone like Rossi was available who has shown premiership ability for around £4-5m, but the rumour is they are valuing him at £18m!!!!
If the foreign clubs are placing premiership values like that on their young players and talking them all up in quality then anyone buying has to look themselves and not get caught up in the media frenzy, I will take other people’s word for it on here, but what I have seen of Gomis is very poor, certainly not of the quality of Jonesy from Sunderland, Gomis is a lot clumsier, hasnt got the pace about him, however I thought he may have lightening reflexes for the final touch and was wondering how many of his goals have been in that type of situation? Trouble is that is Owens job in our team, we want a pacey player who usually plays down the right of goal, exactly why I continue saying Cisse, Andy Johnson also plays that role but I prefer Cisse, when we do not have the quality in midfield or are certain that we will have that quality, Martins and Cisse togther will compensate for a crap midfield until we finally get it all together, it should have already happened with Internationals like Duff and Emre on paper, but it didnt so it may not happen with this summers signings either.
Play safe a proven striker who runs at the defense and naturally plays slightly right of goal.
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