Newcastle United could move to sign another defender in 2026 amid links with a move to sign Juventus ace Pierre Kalulu.
Eddie Howe is blessed with some quality defensive options at Newcastle United – when everybody is fit, at least.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are out injured right now, harming Howe’s depth at full-back.
Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn are filling in well, while Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw have formed a strong partnership in the heart of defence.
Fabian Schar is another option at the back, though 2026 could bring changes with the likes of Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles potentially moving on.
SS Lazio v Juventus FC - Serie A
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Newcastle United interested in signing Pierre Kalulu from Juventus
That may just open up some room for another defensive signing, even as early as January.
A centre-back who can fill in at right-back could be just what Newcastle need, and a target in that mould is now emerging.
TuttoJuve report that Newcastle are interested in snapping up Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu.
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The 25-year-old joined Juventus from AC Milan in 2024 after arriving at the San Siro from Lyon in 2020.
Kalulu played 43 times while on loan at Juventus last season and turned the move permanent this past summer.
Kalulu has played every minute of Juve’s Serie A campaign, primarily lining up as a right wing-back or centre-back.
That versatility may seriously appeal to Newcastle, and it’s suggested that an offer worth more than €30million (£26million) could tempt Juve into a deal.
Juve have just sacked Igor Tudor and will move for a new manager, so Newcastle will keep tabs on that situation ahead of any January attempt.
Pierre Kalulu could reunite with Malick Thiaw
Kalulu joining Newcastle would see him reunite with Sandro Tonali, having played together in Milan.
A move would also see Kalulu vying with Malick Thiaw once again.
Kalulu and Thiaw were in direct competition for playing time at centre-back in Milan’s back line.
What’s interesting here is that there was major debate in Milan upon Kalulu’s exit, as some fans actually wanted Thiaw to leave instead.
Milan had other ideas and allowed Kalulu to leave on loan for Juventus, just a year before parting ways with both defenders permanently.
Newcastle now appear to be keen on reuniting Kalulu and Thiaw once again, but with the Frenchman eyed as a versatile defensive option rather than direct competition for Thiaw.