£50M star posts picture holding a Newcastle United shirt amid reports Eddie Howe wants to sign him
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the club, with sporting director Paul Mitchell expected to have greater freedom in spending.
While this presents an opportunity to strengthen the squad, it also comes with significant risks. Poor recruitment decisions could lead to wasted resources on players who fail to make an impact, potentially hindering progress rather than driving the team forward.
Recent reports suggest that Newcastle will prioritize signing young, emerging talents over established stars. This approach aims to secure promising prospects from across Europe and avoid past mistakes, such as the departures of rising stars like Elliot Anderson.
The club’s decision to sell Anderson last summer could come back to haunt them, especially if he delivers a standout performance against Newcastle in the near future.
One of the most talked-about topics this season has been the future of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has been the subject of ongoing transfer speculation, with Arsenal reportedly keen on securing his signature.
Even social media influencer Chunkz publicly encouraged Isak to join the North London side. However, the 25-year-old has repeatedly expressed his love for Newcastle, reinforcing his commitment to the club.
Newcastle remain determined to keep Isak and will hold contract talks with him in the summer, regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League. Both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell have made it clear that they have no intention of letting key players leave, emphasizing stability and long-term growth.
Interestingly, Isak’s name has surfaced in connection with another rising talent whom Newcastle have long admired. Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, currently on loan from Juventus, has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Premier League.
At just 19 years old, the Spanish U21 international has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in England. Newcastle had initially attempted to sign him last summer but lost out to Bournemouth, who secured his services for just £12.8 million. Given his rapid development, his market value has now soared to £50 million.
Huijsen recently posted a collection of images on Instagram, including one where he holds a Newcastle shirt with Isak’s name and number on the back. While likely a simple post-match shirt swap, it has fueled speculation about a potential move to Tyneside.
Eddie Howe got a firsthand look at Huijsen’s quality when Newcastle faced Bournemouth in January. The young defender, alongside teammate Illya Zabarnyi, effectively neutralized Isak, preventing him from having his usual influence on the game. Newcastle’s interest in Huijsen remains strong, and they could make another attempt to bring him in this summer.
Strengthening the defense is a priority for Newcastle, especially with contracts of key defenders set to expire at the end of the season. Huijsen’s versatility, technical ability, and composure make him an ideal long-term investment.
Fabian Schar is expected to sign a contract extension, but if Newcastle secure a top-tier center-back, he could find himself dropping to a secondary role. The club is also set to lose Lloyd Kelly in the summer, further increasing the urgency to add defensive reinforcements.
One of Huijsen’s standout qualities is his proficiency with both feet, allowing him to comfortably play on either side of the central defense. This level of adaptability is a rare and valuable trait in modern football, making him a perfect fit for Howe’s tactical setup.
The club had attempted to sign a defender in January, with Abdukodir Khusanov being a top target. However, financial constraints under Premier League sustainability rules forced Newcastle to withdraw from the deal, paving the way for Manchester City to secure the player instead.
If Newcastle intend to make a major defensive signing this summer, Huijsen represents an ideal candidate. His combination of youth, talent, and experience in English football makes him a prime target for a club looking to build a sustainable future.
With Paul Mitchell leading recruitment, Newcastle must ensure that their spending decisions align with long-term goals rather than short-term fixes. A carefully planned strategy in the transfer market could position the club for continued success, keeping them competitive in both domestic and European competitions.