Newcastle United remain in hot pursuit of a new central defender this summer and now they are being linked with Spanish U21 international Cesar Tarrega.
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his defensive options this summer, amid long-term doubts about the centre-backs currently in the Newcastle United squad.
While both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn were excellent for Newcastle United last season, they are in their mid-thirties and cannot go on forever. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, both suffered with serious injuries during the 2024/25 season.
With that in mind, the club are looking to bolster the options available to the Newcastle United manager.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle are interested in Ousmane Diomande, while Marc Guehi remains a target at St James’ Park.
Still, the Spanish press are tipping them with a move for Valencia defender Tarrega, who has been hailed by UEFA.
Spain U21 defender Cesar Tarrega poses for a photo with the Player of the Match award after his side beat Slovakia.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Newcastle United linked with Cesar Tarrega
According to El Desmarque, Newcastle are interested in a move for the 23-year-old defender.
Tarrega made 34 La Liga starts last season and recorded 1.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 6.4 clearances per game while winning 2.6 aerial duels over the same period.
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While football obviously doesn’t work quite as simply as translating that across leagues and playing styles in different countries, those averages would see him rank highly within Howe’s squad.
2024/25 La Liga statistics Cesar Tarrega Rank within Newcastle United squad
Tackles/90 1.5 =4
Interceptions/90 0.9 =2
Clearances/90 6.4 1st
Aerial duels won/90 2.6 2nd
Cesar Tarrega 2024/25 stats in La Liga, data via WhoScored
The report adds that Bologna are also keen on the defender, who made his debut in December 2021.
Tarrega is believed to be happy at Valencia, which may prove a stumbling block.
Newcastle are looking to the European market for a defender, which adds further context into the link. Tarrega is a player with most of his career ahead of him and is already impressing in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
With that in mind, it’s clear as to why Howe might be keen on a move for a player of such profile.
What UEFA have said about Newcastle United ‘transfer target’ Cesar Tarrega
Tarrega played for Spain during their run to the U21 European Championship quarter-finals, where they were beaten by England.
Earlier in the competition, however, the defender put in a fine display during his country’s win over Slovakia.
In fact, he even managed to score a goal while putting in an imposing defensive performance.
A statement released on UEFA’s official website read: “He decided the game and was a leader on the pitch. He was strong in defence but also excellent in Spain’s build-up play.”