Newcastle United are once again turning their attention toward the European market, and this time they are reportedly preparing a long-term move for one of the most intelligent creative midfielders currently playing in the Bundesliga.
The club’s recruitment team has been tracking emerging talents across Europe, and their latest target could be part of a major rebuild expected to take shape over the next few seasons.
The need for increased depth and quality was clear during Newcastle’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week. In a match where Eddie Howe’s side created chances but lacked a clinical edge, the absence of Yoane Wissa was felt.
The forward, who has yet to make his debut for Newcastle after joining in the summer, has been working his way back from injury. Supporters assumed they would need to wait longer for his return, especially after he was surprisingly left out of the DR Congo squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
However, there was a positive twist. Journalist Craig Hope revealed that Wissa is “pushing” to make a shock return to the bench for the upcoming fixture against Burnley.
For Howe, who has watched his squad struggle with injuries and fatigue during a congested schedule, Wissa’s availability would be a huge lift.
The manager has not yet had the chance to use the forward at all, and his presence even from the bench adds pace, aggression, and unpredictability to an attack that has lacked spark in recent weeks.
But Wissa returning isn’t the only boost Howe may receive soon. While the January transfer window is approaching quickly, Newcastle are also planning ahead, laying the foundation for what could be one of their most ambitious moves in years.
Reports claim that the club are beginning preparations to pursue Igor Thiago, who has taken the Premier League by surprise this season.
Thiago, who stepped into the Brentford attack following Wissa’s departure, has been in outstanding form. Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the league this season, and his performances have attracted the attention of several major clubs.
For Newcastle, who are trying to build a squad capable of challenging consistently at the highest level, Thiago’s power, movement, and finishing ability make him an attractive long-term option.
Yet their ambitions stretch even further. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now set their sights on securing Bilal El Khannouss, one of Europe’s brightest young creators, in 2026.
The midfielder, currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart, has built a reputation as a technically gifted and remarkably intelligent playmaker one who reads the game with maturity beyond his years.
His vision, ball retention, and ability to dictate the tempo have made him a standout in the Bundesliga, and several clubs across Europe have already begun monitoring his progress.
El Khannouss is expected to complete his loan spell next summer, and Newcastle are reportedly prepared to strike early to secure his future.
The club see him as a potential centrepiece of their midfield evolution someone who can influence matches in the final third, build attacks from deep, and bring a level of creativity that has been missing at times this season.
The plan to target El Khannouss in 2026 highlights Newcastle’s shift toward long-term squad building rather than reacting to immediate needs alone.
While Howe needs help right now, especially with injuries stretching his options thin, the club are thinking two and three seasons ahead, identifying young players who can grow into leaders at St James’ Park.
If Newcastle succeed in landing talents like Thiago and El Khannouss, alongside finally unleashing Wissa, they will have built a dynamic new spine capable of pushing the club into the next phase of their project.
For now, though, the focus is on Burnley and the possibility of seeing Wissa in black and white for the first time.
