Newcastle United’s Summer Transfer Window: What to Expect
Newcastle United are preparing for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years and manager Eddie Howe has publicly admitted this will be their “toughest” transfer window yet. With the Saudi-backed takeover giving the club more scope for investment than previously, BBC Sport looks at the three areas of focus for Newcastle’s business this summer.
Strengthening the First Team
The primary focus for the summer window is strengthening midfield, while there is also a desire to sign a wide-forward on the right. James Maddison has been on the radar for a while and, after Newcastle’s bids were rejected last summer, the 26-year-old Leicester playmaker remains a key target. Newcastle have maintained interest since last summer and, although Tottenham are also keen and have a good relationship with his representatives, there is confidence that this is a deal that can be done, despite nothing being imminent.
Other players have been discussed too. As a potential alternative to Maddison, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai has featured in discussions and the German club are resigned to losing him in this window. Szoboszlai has a £60m release clause in his contract and his agent is scouting the market, but the 22-year-old is not looking to force his way out. At this stage, he would likely prove too expensive for Newcastle.
Looking to the Future
The first signing of the summer has already been made, with Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh joining from Danish club Odense before immediately being loaned out to Dutch champions Feyenoord. Minteh, 18, is the latest in a line of players targeted for their long-term value at the club as director of football Dan Ashworth looks to exploit lesser-known markets and find players who Newcastle can develop. Ashworth will be working alongside Howe, who has been keen to add Premier League-proven quality to the squad, as well as CEO Darren Eales and head of recruitment Steve Nickson on transfer dealings.
Selling Smart to Grow Income
Newcastle’s new sponsorship deal with Saudi events company Sela is worth £25m per year and will make a difference for them this summer, but does not completely disregard FFP, which is a consideration for the club as they set their budget because of a heavy net spend since the takeover. Other streams of revenue are still needed because of a lack of them inherited from previous owner Mike Ashley, but an Amazon documentary which was filmed last season and a continued sleeve deal with Noon also help.
In terms of the squad, Howe is keen to keep existing members of the senior leadership group, such as Matt Ritchie, who has signed on for a further year, and captain Jamaal Lascelles. Ryan Fraser will leave after being frozen out in February. Allan Saint-Maximin is one to watch because, although he is part of Howe’s plans, the Frenchman started only 12 Premier League games last term and had offers in January. Newcastle are well stocked on the left and are targeting another wide player, and there is an acceptance inside the club that Saint-Maximin could command a good fee to alleviate pressure on the budget.
Conclusion
Newcastle face the challenge of balancing the need for greater reinforcements to compete at the top with working within Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints and a desire for long-term sustainability. With James Maddison remaining a key target and other potential deals discussed, Newcastle are prepared to hold out for the right player. Dan Ashworth is looking to exploit lesser-known markets and find players who Newcastle can develop for their long-term value. Finally, Allan Saint-Maximin could command a good fee to alleviate pressure on the budget and there are plenty of twists and turns to come in a potentially defining summer for Newcastle.