David Ornstein and Chris Waugh of The Athletic released a comprehensive report covering Newcastle United’s transfer plans for the upcoming January and summer transfer windows.
According to the insiders, the club has identified a few key targets but they will be cautious in any transfer as they want to smoothly navigate the financial constraints of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) without incurring any penalty.
Summer-long target Marc Guehi remains a priority according to The Athletic, with Newcastle closely monitoring the Crystal Palace defender in case the Eagles decide to move on from him. While a January move is unlikely unless unexpected circumstances arise, the summer window presents a more realistic opportunity.
“The feeling on Tyneside is that a January transfer would be difficult—it is not being ruled out, however, even if Botman’s scheduled return next month lessens the immediate need,” Waugh reported.
By next summer, Guehi will enter the final year of his contract, potentially reducing his price tag while attracting increased interest from other clubs, let alone the precarious situation of Crystal Palace (in the relegation zone) possibly forcing the club into a fire sale.
The club’s recruitment team, led by Paul Mitchell, is also assessing several alternative targets. Milan’s Malick Thiaw, Benfica’s Antonio Silva, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba are among the defenders being tracked, with all of those names already reported at some points in the recent past.
On the attacking front, Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga remains of interest after Newcastle’s inquiries in the summer, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is admired but deemed costly in what could end up being a challenging pursuit not worth the effort—a la Guehi last summer.
Newcastle are also keeping an eye on PSV’s Johan Bakayoko as a natural replacement for Paraguay international Miguel Almiron in case he—as it’s been expected for months on end—finally leaves Tyneside.
Nottingham Forest FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Speaking of outgoing transfers, these are going to be crucial in Newcastle’s strategy and capabilities to add reinforcements.
Almiron, who has struggled for minutes this season, is likely to be made available again in January although it’s unclear whether or not the Magpies will find suitors willing to pay not only a fee but his salary on top of that.
“Clubs in the Saudi Pro League and MLS have been reluctant to match the 30-year-old’s salary,” Waugh said. River Plate have expressed interest of late, but a tight financial situation could make a deal challenging for the Argentine club.
Meanwhile, high earners such as Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson could also be considered for moves to reduce the club’s wage bill, although the situation seems to be similar on the financial terms.
While the club is committed to retaining key players like Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon, a substantial offer next summer could force Newcastle’s hand, particularly if they fail to secure European qualification.
“Should a huge bid arrive next summer and the club fail to qualify for Europe, a lucrative sale cannot be ruled out,” Waugh said.