Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is kicking into life, all right, with Eddie Howe determined to package a squad with enough quality to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Last season was one of staggering success for the Magpies, who deservedly beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to lift the Carabao Cup, so ending 70 years adrift from that matchless trophy-winning feeling.
On the last day of the top-flight term, the Toon also secured their place in next year’s elite European tournament after finishing fifth in the league.
However, Newcastle’s 2024 summer window still lingers in the minds of all affiliated. It’s something of a miracle that Howe led his troops to glory in spite of the market setbacks.
The new campaign is a little over a month away, and United are planning to make a series of signings despite their slow start to the window.
That slow start has started to gather some pace, in fairness, but more is needed if Howe’s to piece together Newcastle’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season.
The goalkeepers James Trafford becomes the new No. 1
Newcastle have maintained a vested interest in Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford for a while now, and though Howe has been bruised by a number of setbacks in the market, this one looks like it will glide through to the finish line in a potential £30m deal.
Hailed as a “world-class keeper” by Clarets boss Scott Parker, the Englishman will jockey for a regular starting berth with Nick Pope, who has been a staple of the Howe era but missed ten Premier League matches last year due to injury.
Newcastle, for sure, aren’t strapped for options between the sticks. Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all form a bloated chunk of the St. James’ Park first-team squad.
Profit and Sustainability technicalities have played heavily into the unique situation, but there’s no question that Trafford would sit atop the pile if signed this summer.
Full list of goalkeepers: James Trafford, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie
The defence Howe finally lands a new centre-back
Amid the long list of rejections this summer is likely to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four failed bids from the Tynesiders in 2024 and has entered Newcastle’s sights once more this year.
But Liverpool appear to hold the lead in the race, and Newcastle have thus swivelled their attention to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who, aged 22, is valued in excess of £50m.
The dynamic defender will complete a backline already replete with depth and quality. A fully-fit Sven Botman could provide the right-footer with a formidable partner, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn offer high-level competition that will be vital across a multi-front campaign.
And Howe’s diligence and planning over the past few years has also limited the attention required on the flanks. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make for one of the most exciting young partnerships in the game, while Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier bring leadership to the fold.
Full list of centre-backs: Fabian Schar, Giorgio Scalvini, Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn
Full list of right-backs: Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth
Full list of left-backs: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett
The midfield Magpie midfielders remain the essence of Howe's system
Newcastle’s defence is in pretty good nick, but not so much as the midfield, which has been pieced together masterfully over the past few years. When Sandro Tonali gelled with Bruno Guimaraes after last winter’s blip, United reached new levels, establishing the form that would lead to silver-tinted glory.
Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has certainly sung their praises, saying of the midfield: “One of the best in the league. Probably just behind Liverpool’s or maybe even on par with Liverpool’s. They’ve got a blend of everything and incredible players. I think they’ve got some of the best players in the world in that position.”
Tonali’s redefinition as a number six promoted the ball-playing focus of Howe’s game and allowed Guimaraes to operate in a more advanced, fluid role. Joelinton’s undying energy was magnified but Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a summer sale could exit to please PSR. Leeds United have already tabled an offer.
In his stead, Newcastle have been named suitors for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, with the England international valued at £50m. His completeness and athleticism would be the perfect counterpoint to a midfield already rich with contrasting quality.
Newcastle would likely look to whittle down Atletico’s asking price, but it’s an exciting time for the Toon, who already are so strong in the centre, with Joe Willock and the young Lewis Miley looking to play their part too.
Full list of central midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Conor Gallagher, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley
The forwards Sweeping changes built around Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak remains Newcastle’s talisman, and PIF’s £200m price tag for the Sweden star should keep him at St. James’ Park for at least one more year.
He does need competition though, since Callum Wilson has packed up and left at the end of his contract. There have been a few blows in that regard so far, but Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has recently been lined up. The sticking point, of course, is that the Bees want £50m.
And despite signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal, more is needed, to be sure. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes hold down the fort pretty well on the left flank, but Newcastle are still interested in signing another name to enrich the ranks.
And that would be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. His £40m price tag might put the Magpies off, for this would take their spending over £200m after having bagged Elanga already.
Instead, a loan move looks like it could be the order of the day, one which would provide creative relief and allow a deal for someone like Wissa to be pursued too.
Centre-forward
86
34
8
Left winger
28
6
4
Right winger
7
4
0
Attacking midfield
3
1
0
The recent rumours surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike make for compelling reading, but it’s just hard to envisage a world where Newcastle win the race for the £85m-rated centre-forward while keeping Isak on the books too.
And Isak is staying. Thus, a more pragmatic, but still impressive, deal for a Premier League-proven and positionally dynamic player in Wissa could prove the order of the day for Newcastle as they look to polish off this remarkable squad of Magpies.
Full list of right wingers: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy
Full list of left wingers: Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jack Grealish
Full list of strikers: Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, William Osula
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