Newcastle United could be about to reignite interest in a player long admired by Eddie Howe, as reports suggest Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is open to a return to the Premier League.
The 28-year-old, who has impressed in Serie A with Napoli, is reportedly unsettled in Italy and would be receptive to the idea of linking up with Howe once again, this time at St James’ Park.
While McTominay is under contract until 2028, Napoli are likely to demand a fee well above the £25 million they initially paid for him, reflecting the player’s status as one of the top performers in Italy’s top flight.
McTominay’s rise in Naples has been remarkable. After reinventing himself following his time at Manchester United, he became an integral part of Napoli’s squad, contributing significantly to their fourth Scudetto title.
His performances earned him recognition as the Serie A MVP last season, showcasing his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively.
That versatility and proven quality are likely what attracts Newcastle, who have a clear history of targeting players who can make an immediate impact under Howe’s management.
Eddie Howe has long held McTominay in high regard. During his time at Manchester United, Howe was reportedly keen to bring him in, a move that drew some criticism at the time.
However, McTominay has since developed into a reliable and technically accomplished midfielder, making him a potentially valuable addition to Newcastle’s squad.
The Magpies’ midfield already has depth, with players like Joelinton and Nick Woltemade providing competition, but age and fitness concerns for some squad members may make the prospect of adding an experienced, goal-scoring midfielder attractive.
Joelinton, now approaching 30, has faced injury issues and occasional dips in form, meaning additional cover in central areas is likely to appeal to Howe.
While McTominay fits Howe’s vision and style, his potential signing raises questions about the club’s evolving transfer strategy. According to reports, the Public Investment Fund, which oversees Newcastle’s ownership, has encouraged a shift towards younger, high-potential players over established stars.
This philosophy prioritizes talent with significant resale value and long-term development, rather than proven players who may come with higher price tags and shorter prime years. McTominay, soon to turn 29, falls outside this preferred profile, meaning any pursuit would be weighed carefully against the club’s broader recruitment principles.
Newcastle’s recruitment approach in recent years has emphasized scouting across Europe, finding value in leagues like Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga. Signings like Sandro Tonali and Malick Thiaw from AC Milan have reinforced this strategy, providing top-quality players for a combined fee well under £100 million.
The club has also sourced talent from France and Germany, including Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Nick Woltemade. This deliberate focus on scouting and cost-effective acquisitions has allowed Newcastle to compete effectively in the transfer market without overpaying, while simultaneously building a squad capable of challenging in the Premier League and Europe.
In that context, bringing in McTominay would represent a departure from the current philosophy, though not necessarily a contradiction. The midfielder’s proven quality and immediate impact could justify a premium signing if the club deems it necessary to maintain competitiveness in a midfield that must balance experience with energy.
Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by Ross Wilson, has shown flexibility in the past, making pragmatic decisions to address immediate squad needs, such as the signing of Yoane Wissa to cover for striker shortages early in the season.
At the same time, the potential addition of McTominay would need to be balanced against the long-term vision of building a team around younger talents. Nick Woltemade, for example, embodies the type of acquisition Newcastle seeks: younger, promising, and capable of developing into a key player for years to come.
The challenge for Howe and his staff is weighing the immediate benefits of an experienced, goal-scoring midfielder against the cost, both financially and in alignment with the club’s broader recruitment strategy.
Ultimately, McTominay’s potential move would depend on several factors: Napoli’s willingness to negotiate, the fee demanded, and Newcastle’s assessment of squad priorities.
Howe’s personal admiration for the player is clear, and the midfielder’s openness to a Premier League return and working under Howe again adds a compelling dimension.
However, with age and financial considerations at play, Newcastle will need to decide whether the short-term boost outweighs their strategic preference for younger, high-potential signings.
If the Magpies do pursue McTominay, it would be a clear signal that Howe is willing to balance long-term vision with immediate performance, reinforcing the club’s ambition to compete at the highest levels of English and European football.
His presence could add leadership, experience, and goal-scoring ability from midfield, potentially addressing the gaps that have emerged as other squad members face fitness and consistency issues.
Whether Newcastle acts on this opportunity or continues to prioritize emerging talent, the next few transfer windows will be critical in shaping the trajectory of Howe’s squad and their ambitions under PIF ownership.
