Newcastle United will be planning for the upcoming January transfer window with the club being linked with both possible incomings and outgoings.
Emil Krafth during the Premier League match between Brentford and Newcastle United at Gtech Community Stadium.
Emil Krafth has been linked with a move away from Newcastle with his agent speaking out.
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The third international break of the Premier League season is here, which gives clubs the chance to both reflect on the season so far and look ahead at what’s to come.
It’s been a difficult start to the 2025/26 Premier League season for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s team fell to a 3-1 loss against Brentford on Sunday, leaving them in 14th place in the table and just two points clear of the relegation zone.
The side have been more successful in the Champions League, having won three of their opening four games. That means that they sit in 6th in the league phase and are in line to automatically qualify for the knockout stages.
If that happens, then it places more emphasis on the January transfer window, especially if the team are still struggling in the Premier League. The break will give Howe and his backroom team some extra time to assess where could be strengthened when the window re-opens in the new year.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at a couple of the latest stories doing the rounds at St James’ Park and also given our own thoughts on the situations.
Wonderkid battle
Newcastle are locked in a battle with Sunderland and Fulham to sign Angers’ 18-year-old forward Sidiki Cherif, according to Football Insider.
The teenager has caught the eye with his performances in Ligue 1 this season and is said to be valued at around £22 million.
The striker has played both on the left and through the middle this season, but has scored three goals in his last five games when played as a central striker.
Newcastle are said to be targeting young talent from across Europe with the hope of continuing to develop them before selling on for a big profit. They however are said to face competition from Fulham and Sunderland for the striker.
ChronLive says: I think the strategy of targeting young players who can develop and then be sold on for a profit is the right way to go for Newcastle, especially with the current Premier League financial rules in place. That way, the club should be making money to fund the next wave of talent coming in.
£22 million for a striker of Cherif’s potential is not a bad price, although he has scored just three first team goals in his career. With the continued injury to Yoanne Wissa, Newcastle may need more striking reinforcements when the January window opens, and Cherif could be one for both now and the future.
Emil Krafth stance
Newcastle defender Emil Krafth will not be moving to FC Copenhagen in January, despite speculation over his future, according to the player’s representative.
Talking to Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt, he said: ”It's not relevant. FCK is a great club, but his salary is far too high for any club in Scandinavia.” He added: “But then it's also about Newcastle not wanting to let him go.”
The report also adds that Krafth earns around £55,000 per week at St James’ Park and is not prepared to take a pay cut. He instead want to stay at Newcastle until the end of his contract which expires next summer.
ChronLive says: While Krafth has struggled for game time this season, he has been included in all but one of the matchday squads. Keeping his as cover, especially considering thespeculation over the future of Kieran Tripper, would be a good move.
Reports suggest that he’s one of the lower-paid players at the club, so his wages won’t be a massive burden until the end of his contract in 2026, and any fee that Newcastle get is likely to be minimal, meaning they may be best served to keep him as cover and making money elsewhere with other sales if needed.