With only a few days left in this summer transfer window, it feels like [Newcastle United](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/08/28/sky-sport-newcastle-united-everton-race-sign-player/) have left themselves a lot of work to do. There are several positions across the pitch where they could do with starters or quality depth options.
Will they make another midfield addition after Nico Gonzalez? Are they satisfied with their options up top? Those are the questions asked most often.
One position that gets overlooked amid all this is centre-back. Newcastle United’s options in the heart of defence is not particularly great.
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are both 34 years of age. On the other hand, Sven Botman has failed to prove himself as a reliable option. So, signing another centre-back this summer would make sense. Could it be a Spanish international?
According to Friday’s edition of Faro de Vigo (via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/newcastle-united-everton-and-fulham-make-contact-to-sign-javi-rodriguez/)), Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham are interested in Celta Vigo’s Javi Rodriguez alongside Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle United are one of the clubs said to have made enquiries in recent weeks. But the report does not clarify whether they contacted Rodriguez’s agent or Celta Vigo.
Rodriguez is also said to have a €40 million release clause in his contract with Celta Vigo. So, it is clear what the ceiling is when it comes to a move for the Spanish international.
Will Newcastle United make a serious move for Rodriguez this summer? Or will this end up being another rumour that leads to nowhere of substance?
Rodriguez is 23 years of age. He is widely considered a centre-back but has the ability to play as a right-back if the situation calls for it.
He has a decent bit of experience under his belt. Rodriguez has appeared 90 times for Celta Vigo, having come through their youth system, and has established himself as a regular starter.
He has also played for Spain at the international level on one occasion. So, the 23-year-old is a very highly-rated centre-back for sure. Could he be a long-term solution for Newcastle United’s issues at the back?
Newcastle United are not being linked with any other centre-back at this point in time. Instead, it looks like the club’s focus is on Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo and VfB Stuttgart attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.