Newcastle United have shifted their attentions to midfield after a summer chasing defenders, wingers, strikers and goalkeepers.
It’s been a testing summer, even for the most glass half full Newcastle United fans.
While the pursuit of Anthony Elanga proved quite straight-forward, even with some rejections along the way from the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, getting a keeper in proved a whole lot more stressful. James Trafford was the man Newcastle wanted, but so too, unfortunately, did former club Manchester City, who had a matching clause in the player’s Burnley deal. Game over, then on to original No.1 target from last summer, Aaron Ramsdale. Defender was pretty straight-forward, actually, having already pulled out of interest in Marc Guehi, Newcastle opted for Malick Thiaw, who again was from the summer 2024 playbook.
And now, with strikers still a real problematic area, NewcastleWorld understands the club’s recruitment team has gone full steam ahead to recruit a midfielder, with Eddie Howe keen to replace Sean Longstaff and run with six players for next season in that department.
NUFC midfield options low
Looking back to the Magpies’ two final pre-season matches, ahead of the Premier League opener, Howe was forced to twice field full-backs in the No.8 role. Against Espanyol the left side No.8 was mixed up between Matt Targett and Lewis Hall, with the duo interchanging in the opening 45 before Targett took on the role permanently in the second half.
Then again, against Atletico Madrid, Harrison Ashby occupied the right-sided No.8.
It showed that beyond the first-choice three - Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali - Newcastle are lighter than light. Lewis Miley showed why he’s such a useful understudy on Friday, linking brilliantly with Bruno, but the absence of Joe Willock, following the sale of Sean Longstaff to Leeds was acutely felt.
What next for NUFC transfers?
NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies’ recruitment team are working hard to address the Longstaff-sized hole in the United midfield department as a matter of urgency. That’s aside from their pursuit of Yoane Wissa, which could see some progress as soon as Wednesday, with many hopeful the next few days could open up a break in the Brentford impasse on the deal.
Newcastle are looking to bring in a midfield option, not necessarily an initial starter, which appears to rule out moves for the likes of Conor Gallagher. Despite fan noise, Lucas Paqueta has never been on recruitment lists this summer, and rarely featured on them before, in fact. The one they want to add would have to take up a ‘Longstaff role’ in the squad, adding value to the squad from the bench.
An option that has arisen this week is a potential deal for Leicester City creator Bilal El Khannouss. The player is reported to have a release clause in his contract, which United could exploit.
The Morocco international would very much be seen as a Joelinton alternative in the United group, able to swap the Brazilian’s physical approach for a more crafted alternative, particularly in games in which Newcastle need to unlock doors.
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