Mbuemo signs, Tonali solution, defender targeted – Newcastle transfer priorities under Paul Mitchell
Newcastle won’t be bringing in a host of new signings, but could target two key positions to strengthen
As we approach the latter stages of July, Newcastle United are yet to make any major investment in the summer transfer market. June saw the club meet PSR regulations with Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh moved on, and now it’s all about making some additions to Eddie Howe’s squad.
Not that United have been idle – they have made four signings this summer, with Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea becoming permanent, and goalkeepers Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy joining free transfer Lloyd Kelly on Tyneside. However, when it comes to investing serious sums, Newcastle are yet to make their first move.
It is coming, we’re told, with CEO Darren Eales revealing this week that transfer plans are well under way under new sporting director Paul Mitchell. He has been working closely with Howe, with key targets identified for the remainder of the window. It’s unlikely that we’ll see a flood of arrivals in the coming weeks, but the hope is that there will be two first-team level signings made before the campaign gets under way against Southampton in just under a month.
With that in mind, which positions are the most in need of addressing in the window? Here’s the verdict of our team of writers as United look to add the final pieces to their 2024-25 squad.
Lee Ryder
It’s got to be a winger in reality because without one Newcastle are going to be short down the right-hand side. There has been a lot of talk of Almiron leaving and perhaps his time is coming to a natural end at St James’ Park.
But Newcastle need to freshen up out wide regardless of whether he stays or go. For me the second position I’d go for is probably a top class right-sided centre-back. If Newcastle are to challenge for the top four they need to get much better defensively because silly mistakes cost them badly last term.
Ciaran Kelly
A back-up goalkeeper, obviously.
In all seriousness, the fact we all have plumped for a right-sided forward and a right-sided centre-back tells you all you need to know. Anthony Gordon was a menace on the left last season and Alexander Isak was unplayable up front, but Newcastle lacked that same goal threat on the right flank.
This is where the bulk of the budget has to go for me while at centre-back, Newcastle have to start preparing for the years to come by identifying a potential long-term successor to Fabian Schar. Regardless of whether Callum Wilson goes, or not, I would also bring in a young striker who could one day supplement Alexander Isak.
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Andrew Musgrove
If United signed just two players this summer it has to be a right winger and striker. They need an upgrade on Miguel Almiron and it won’t be cheap. I would love to see Bryan Mbeumo or Anthony Elanga arrive.
I know that doesn’t set the world alight for every Newcastle fan but in a transfer market where every penny counts, there has to be some realism offered. Mbeumo is proven, Elanga has huge potential – both are have shown they can do it in the Premier League and are very realistic targets, a decent price for United.
The other position for me is a striker – but then if Mbeumo came in, he could be the back up to Isak and Wilson when needed. If that was to happen, then it would be centre-back to push Fabian Schar for that right side of defence.
Ross Gregory
I’ll echo what just about everyone else has said here – the right side of Newcastle’s attack looks a glaring weakness. Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy have been fantastic servants but to kick on to the next level there needs to be investment there.
Here’s a wildcard suggestion – how about Amad? His spell at Sunderland was excellent, albeit in the Championship, and he showed in the last couple of month at Man United he could be a Premier League player. He wouldn’t cost the earth.
Elsewhere, the striker situation needs addressed. Newcastle currently have two very good but very injury-prone players in Isak and Wilson. An upgrade on the latter is a must.
A right-sided centre-half has to arrive this window too. Fabian Schar, while still superb, will be 33 soon and Jamaal Lascelles will do well to play again before the spring.
And if the kitty stretches to it, how about a new goalkeeper? Yes, United signed Odysseas Vlachodimos from Forest and Nick Pope is back as No 1, but even when he’s fit and on form, he’s still that tier below the top keepers in the country in my opinion. United should always be looking to improve and finding a top shot-stopper who is more comfortable playing out from the back should be high on the agenda too.
Stuart Jamieson
The glaring gap in the forward line is on the right-hand side, and that must be addressed this summer. It feels to me that this is Miguel Almiron’s time to move on, while Jacob Murphy is a more that suitable second option behind any new signing.
