The January transfer window is still a little while away, but for football clubs, the planning never really stops. Managers and scouts are always looking at their squads, identifying areas that might need strengthening for the challenges ahead.
For Newcastle United, it seems one area of the pitch is already drawing their attention. According to reports, the club is considering making a move for Juventus and Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli when the winter window opens.
The reasoning behind this potential move is easy to understand. This season, Newcastle is competing on two major fronts: the demanding Premier League and the elite Champions League.
This means more matches, more travel, and a much greater physical toll on the players. While the current midfield options are strong, featuring stars like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, the packed schedule has highlighted the need for more depth. A single injury or suspension could leave the team significantly weakened in a key area.
This is where a player like Manuel Locatelli comes in. He isn’t a flashy, headline-grabbing name for the sake of it. He is what many would call a “proper” central midfielder.
His main strength is his ability to control the tempo of the game. He is the type of player who acts as a link between the defense and the attack, reliably receiving the ball from his defenders and moving it forward with intelligence and composure.
In tight, tense matches where controlling the midfield battle is crucial, a player with his skillset can be invaluable.
The reported fee being mentioned is around €40 million, which reflects his experience and quality. At 26 years old, he is in the prime of his career.
He has vast experience in Serie A with Juventus and has also played for the Italian national team on the biggest stages.
This kind of know-how is something that can greatly benefit a squad, especially in high-pressure Champions League nights away from home.
There are also some interesting connections that make this a potentially smart fit. He is, of course, a fellow Italian, which could help him form a quick understanding with Sandro Tonali.
Stylistically, he has drawn some comparisons to Bruno Guimaraes for his ability to contribute to both the defensive and attacking phases of the game.
He is disciplined enough to help break up opposition plays but is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, capable of starting attacking moves with incisive passing.
For manager Eddie Howe, who places a huge emphasis on control and structure, Locatelli seems like a player who would fit his philosophy perfectly.
He wouldn’t necessarily be a direct replacement for any of the current starters, but rather a high-quality alternative who could rotate in without the team’s performance level dropping.
He is the kind of signing that shows a club is thinking about the long, grueling season, not just the next match.
Of course, a deal is far from done. He is under contract with a major club like Juventus, and negotiations are always complex.
But the fact that Newcastle is reportedly monitoring him so carefully suggests they see a genuine need and a player who can fill it. As the season progresses and the fixture list becomes even more congested, the value of having a deep, talented squad becomes clearer.
A move for Manuel Locatelli would be a clear signal that Newcastle is building a team ready to compete consistently, not just participate.
