Newcastle United may need to rethink their transfer strategy for January after a setback involving their target, Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie. The 19-year-old France Under-21 international has emerged as a promising option for the Magpies, who are keen to strengthen their left-back options, but a new injury could delay any potential move until the summer.
Methalie has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, catching the eye of scouts and making himself a notable transfer prospect. Newcastle’s interest comes amid concerns over depth at left-back, as Lewis Hall remains the club’s first-choice in that role.
With limited cover, the team has previously relied on Dan Burn and Tino Livramento to fill in when Hall was unavailable. Both players have had their own injury struggles, highlighting the precarious nature of the squad in that area.
Hall himself recently suffered an ankle knock against Burnley, though he has since recovered and is expected to feature against Crystal Palace, providing temporary relief for Eddie Howe.
Despite the immediate availability of Hall, Newcastle’s lack of alternatives means the club has been actively exploring options to bolster the left side of their defence.
Methalie had been among several targets under consideration, with the idea that he could provide quality and long-term stability. However, a fresh setback has put those plans on hold. Toulouse coach Carles Martinez Novell confirmed that Methalie underwent injections to manage a long-standing knee issue and will miss several weeks.
“It’s not serious, but it was the best thing to do to help him feel well for the next few months,” Martinez explained. “We decided to have the procedure done now so he can come back within the next month, but we can’t give a precise timeframe.”
This update raises questions about whether Newcastle will pursue the young defender in the January window or wait until summer when he is fully fit. If Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier remain injury-free, Howe has cover in both full-back positions.
Additionally, youngsters Alex Murphy and Leo Shahar provide backup options, with Murphy already contributing this season. Lewis Miley has also been deployed as an emergency right-back in recent weeks, giving Howe further flexibility.
Newcastle are also linked with more experienced options. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake has been reported as seeking more regular first-team football, and while he previously turned down West Ham, recent reports suggest Barcelona are monitoring the Dutch defender as well.
Ake would bring Premier League experience and versatility across the back line, making him an attractive alternative should Methalie’s move be postponed.
For Newcastle, the situation underscores the fine balance required in January. While the club is unlikely to make significant spending this month, ensuring squad depth in critical positions remains essential.
With the second half of the season presenting challenges in both domestic and European competitions, Howe and the recruitment team will need to carefully weigh whether to press ahead with a transfer now or focus on summer targets.
Methalie remains a player of high potential, but his temporary absence and the availability of other squad options may influence the club to postpone any deal, ensuring they invest wisely and maintain stability in the defensive unit.
| Player | Position | Age | Current Club | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayann Methalie | Left-back/Centre-back | 19 | Toulouse | Out several weeks | Knee injections; target for Newcastle, potential summer move |
| Lewis Hall | Left-back | 19 | Newcastle | Available | First-choice; recently recovered from ankle knock |
| Tino Livramento | Left-back | 23 | Newcastle | Fitness dependent | Cover option; injury-prone |
| Dan Burn | Centre-back/Left-back | 31 | Newcastle | Available | Experienced emergency cover |
| Alex Murphy | Left-back | 20 | Newcastle | Available | Youngster, squad depth contributor |
| Nathan Ake | Centre-back/Left-back | 30 | Manchester City | Potential transfer | Experienced; seeking more game time, interest from Barcelona |
Newcastle’s defensive plans in January will likely focus on balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. While Methalie represents an exciting future prospect, injuries and timing could push his arrival to the summer, leaving Howe to manage with current squad options and explore other experienced targets to ensure stability in the back line for the remainder of the season.
