Newcastle United appear ready to make a bold move in the upcoming January transfer window as the club continue to strengthen the squad with young, high-potential talent.
With the window fast approaching, the growing expectation is that Newcastle will bring in a young midfielder who can help both the present and the long-term future of the team. Over the past few weeks, several names have been linked, including AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit and Auxerre’s Kevin Danois.
Both players fit the long-term vision of the club, especially now that Elliot Anderson seems out of reach. Still, Newcastle’s recruitment team are clearly looking for more than another young addition.
They want a midfielder who can eventually develop into a Premier League starter or become a valuable asset that brings in significant profit down the line.
That ambition may now be taking shape in Brazil, where one of Palmeiras’ brightest prospects has been placed firmly in Newcastle’s sights. According to reports from Brazilian outlet Portal do Palestra, Newcastle are preparing a “concrete offer” for highly rated midfielder Allan Elias.
The 21-year-old has quickly become regarded as one of the finest young talents to emerge from Palmeiras in recent years, a club known for producing elite prospects such as Endrick and Estevao, who later moved to European giants for major fees.
While Allan Elias has a €100 million release clause, Palmeiras are reportedly open to bids in the region of €32 million (£28 million), a figure that puts Newcastle in a realistic position to secure his signature.
The move aligns with the club’s recent focus on expanding its scouting reach in South America. Steve Nickson has led the development of Newcastle’s scouting network in Brazil over the last few years, and he is now supported by Thomas Federspiel recently recruited from Nottingham Forest to broaden the club’s understanding of talent across Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.
With this growing infrastructure, it’s no surprise to see Newcastle linked so strongly with a rising star like Allan Elias.
Midfield remains one of the strongest areas of Eddie Howe’s squad, yet it’s also the position that could soon require a long-term overhaul. Bruno Guimarães is performing at an exceptional level and remains one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Sandro Tonali, though unavailable for now, is still viewed as a foundational player for the club’s future. Lewis Miley has already shown huge promise, proving he is more than capable of stepping into senior football at just 18 years old.
However, beyond those core names, tough decisions may be approaching. Joelinton remains a beloved figure in the squad, but he is approaching an age where fitness becomes more unpredictable.
His contract situation, wages, and physical demands could soon force Newcastle to consider a long-term successor. Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey also face uncertain futures.
Although both are solid squad options, neither has fully cemented a spot as a guaranteed starter. If new midfielders arrive particularly someone with the profile and upside of Allan Elias or Kees Smit those two could be pushed further down the pecking order.
For Newcastle to complete a signing of this magnitude, an outgoing transfer in midfield might be necessary. Crystal Palace have shown interest in Joe Willock, making him one of the likelier candidates to depart should the club need to create room for a new addition.
Bringing in Allan Elias would not only future-proof the midfield but also align with Newcastle’s strategy of acquiring young players who can grow into elite performers.
As the January window approaches, the sense is growing that Newcastle are preparing to act decisively. If the reports from Brazil prove accurate, the club may soon have another exciting South American talent on Tyneside one who could shape the next chapter of their long-term project.
