Newcastle United look set to face an important summer transfer window.placeholder image
Newcastle United look set to face an important summer transfer window. | Getty Images
Newcastle have a problem they might need to fix this summer - this is how they could do it.
Newcastle United look set to face an uncertain summer as Eddie Howe’s side struggle to return to European contention, with multiple key first-team stars linked with moves away from St. James’ Park.
As the Magpies’ inconsistent domestic season continues to reach uncomfortable territory, the futures of top players such as Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento remain up in the air, amongst others. Considering the investment which has been made in this Newcastle side since they were taken over by their Saudi ownership in 2021, a spot in European football is demanded by fans – particularly with as many as seven or eight spots for English clubs up for grabs.
The full-back and striker positions are amongst those said to be of priority for the Toon this summer, with Wolves’ Hugo Bueno and even former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez amongst those linked. One key issue, though, might be currently overlooked.
Midfield an area of strength for Newcastle - but are they able to change it up?
Newcastle’s midfield trio has been one of the key cornerstones of Howe’s time in Tyneside, with Tonali, Joelinton and captain Bruno Guimaraes all close to ever-present in the starting XI when available.
The issue, though, is that when the trio are not all fit for selection, the Magpies have been forced to shuffle players out of position as they look to find another way to play. The likes of Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey might be worthy understudies, but the ability for Howe’s side to line up in a different system on occasion is a game-changer and makes them less predictable.
Recent injury issues for Guimaraes and persistent transfer links to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for Tonali have meant that a midfield succession plan might be necessary, now more than ever.
Newcastle currently lack a specialist attacking midfielder in their squad and the addition of a versatile midfield option capable of playing in multiple attacking positions could be hugely beneficial to the Magpies’ squad. While Howe often stays loyal to his trusted 4-3-3 formation, when they on occasion have fielded a 3-4-2-1 shape – often in the Champions League – the likes of Nick Woltemade or Joe Willock have been used in unfamiliar roles behind the striker. A young attacking midfield signing might be a necessary next step in Newcastle’s development in the summer.
Summer swoop for Bundesliga loanee might be surprise answer
While an attacking midfielder is not often cited as one of Newcastle’s top priorities for the summer, Morocco international Bilal El Khannouss has been touted as a potential target for the North East club as per The Athletic, in reports which broke in December.
The 21-year-old is still on the books at Leicester City but is currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he has scored eight goals and laid on another four assists for the German side. He signed for the Foxes for £21 million in 2024 and while his three goals and five assists in all competitions could not prevent an instant return to the Championship, the youngster was a rare shining light and saw Premier League interest grow in the summer. He is also capable of operating from the left wing, where transfer-linked Gordon usually currently starts.
A roadblock to any potential swoop for El Khannouss lies in the fact that Stuttgart reportedly have a £17m permanent buy option laced into their current loan deal with Leicester. But considering the player’s rising stocks this season, it is more than conceivable that the German side could receive significantly higher proposals from the likes of Newcastle if that signing does become permanent – turning a quick profit which might be difficult to ignore. If the Toon can secure a deal for the 21-year-old, he could become a key differential as they seek a fresh start next term.
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