Nonetheless available in the market for a centre-back, Newcastle United are already reportedly jostling for place in a race in opposition to Liverpool to signal a Premier League rival.
Newcastle set to focus on defensive additions in January
The summer time switch window could also be closed, however that hasn’t stopped Newcastle from turning their focus in direction of 2026. The Magpies are clearly aiming to be much more ready than this summer time’s window, which noticed them scrambling for choices proper up till the demise after lacking out on a number of targets to Premier League rivals.
Giovanni Leoni was a kind of targets and it is no shock that it was Liverpool on the centre of Newcastle’s frustration. The Magpies even outbid the Reds in pursuit of the Italian defender, however he had his coronary heart set on a summer time swap to Anfield in a well-known story for a number of sides in latest months.
“We rejected the next provide from Newcastle for Leoni. However plans have modified with Liverpool. This as a result of the provide was very enticing and since Giovanni made it clear he was very comfortable to affix LFC.” (Parma CEO Federico Cherubini)
Eddie Howe did at the very least welcome Malick Thiaw in the summertime window, however it might simply be argued that Newcastle nonetheless wanted added choices on the coronary heart of their backline.
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the moment are 33 years outdated, while Sven Botman’s harm historical past is a priority in its personal proper. The actual fact is, apart from Thiaw, Newcastle merely don’t have a listing of centre-back choices that will probably be on the peak of their powers for years to return.
Now that their striker downside has been solved by Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle are seemingly prepared to show in direction of their backline. Reviews are even suggesting that they may lastly take pleasure in some revenge on Liverpool when 2026 arrives.
Newcastle focusing on Van Hecke hijack
In line with TeamTalk, Newcastle at the moment are focusing on a transfer to signal Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2026. Battling in opposition to Liverpool, who’re scouting the Dutchman as an alternative choice to Marc Guehi, the Magpies will probably be hoping to lastly get one over on the Premier League champions.
Now would even be the right time to do it. Van Hecke is on the rise and one which Newcastle ought to do every thing to signal. At 25 years outdated, he’s wonderful in possession and greater than holds his personal off the ball. With two years left on his present Brighton contract, it is no shock {that a} rising listing of golf equipment have an interest.
Brighton supervisor Fabian Hurzeler will probably be extra away than most of simply how gifted Van Hecke is. He instructed reporters in Might: “I feel it is essential that we recognise he is a really younger participant.
“He is 23 and he performs an unbelievable season. He exhibits nice character. I like his character as a result of he is very straight. He says his opinion, he at all times has good intentions.
“In fact, in some methods he must develop, however we at all times give him very trustworthy suggestions. And I feel he has all of the character sides to be sooner or later captain, however that is the long-term future in the intervening time.”
