Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, makes notes during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025
Eddie Howe makes notes during Newcastle United's clash against Nottingham Forest (Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United could welcome some new faces to St James' Park this summer if they can secure qualification to the UEFA Conference League. The Magpies guaranteed themselves a shot at European glory next season by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe's side have earned a place in the playoff round of the Conference League. But, if they were to qualify for for the Champions League or the Europa League by virtue of their Premier League position, their spot in the inferior tournament would be handed over to the next-highest ranked domestic team who have not already qualified for a UEFA competition.
As it stands, Newcastle, who have a game in hand, are sixth in the English top-flight and they're just two points from Chelsea in fourth. Whether the Magpies creep back into the Champions League next season or not, Howe seems eager to prepare his squad for a European tour.
Last season, when Newcastle last competed in the competition, they finished bottom of their group. Howe didn't always have a fully fit lineup at his disposal but, when he did, the Magpies managed to pick up respectable results against Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
Had the 47-year-old been more fortunate with injuries or armed with a stronger squad, it could have been a very different story. So, according to the Telegraph, the Chronicle has looked at every player Newcastle could sign this summer...
Trafford, who sees his contract at Turf Moor expire in June 2027, has featured 37 times for Burnley in the Championship this season, keeping 26 clean sheets. Playing a key role in Scott Parker's side, the 22-year-old has taken the Clarets to the top of the table.
Thanks to Trafford, Burnley look primed to secure promotion back into the Premier League. So, it comes as no surprise to see the goalkeeper regularly linked with a move to Newcastle.
1 of 13
2. Marc Guehi prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Everton FC at Selhurst Park.
Guehi was heavily linked with a move to St James' Park in the summer as Howe looked to bolster his option at the back. Newcastle haven't been the only club chasing the 24-year-old's signature, though, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mooted as potential suitors.
Crystal Palace have reportedly asked for eye-watering sums in the past, but with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire in June 2026, the Magpies could land themselves a bargain this summer.
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)2 of 13
3. Dean Huijsen of AFC Bournemouth
Huijsen has established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe this season. The 19-year-old has always been regarded as an exciting talent, but his performances for Bournemouth have really caught the attention of top clubs.
The Cherries only signed Huijsen from Juventus in the summer, tying him down to a six-year contract. Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that the Spaniard has a release clause in his deal, but the exact fee remains unknown.
3 of 13
4. Illia Zabarnyi of Bournemouth
Zabarnyi, who's largely featured alongside Huijsen this season, has been just as impressive as his centre-half partner. The 22-year-old has been central to Bournemouth's success this season, helping keep six clean sheets.
With his contract at the Vitality Stadium not set to expire until June 2029, the Cherries are expected to demand a hefty fee for the Ukrainian.
4 of 13