Newcastle United’s recruitment team is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys has emerged as a primary target.
According to well-placed sources, the Magpies are specifically searching for a fresh face to bolster the left side of their defense. While Lewis Hall has performed admirably, the club feels it is essential to find a young, high-energy competitor who can push for a starting spot and provide the depth needed for a grueling Premier League campaign.
The interest in Seys comes at a time when Newcastle is looking to refresh a squad that some critics feel has become a bit predictable. At just 20 years old, the Belgian full-back represents exactly the kind of profile the club wants to attract: young, athletic, and technically gifted.
Despite his youth, Seys is far from an inexperienced prospect. He has already racked up over 100 senior appearances, a statistic that highlights his physical durability and the trust his coaches have in his abilities at such a high level of the game.
His performances this season have been particularly eye-catching. In 33 appearances, he has managed to contribute four goals and four assists, showing that he is a modern defender who isn’t afraid to join the attack.
These numbers are a clear signal to Eddie Howe that Seys could thrive in a system that encourages full-backs to get forward and create chances in the final third. However, it is his defensive stability that truly makes him a standout candidate.
In his domestic league, he has won an impressive 70% of his ground duels and more than half of his aerial battles. This balance between attacking flair and defensive grit suggests he wouldn’t be bullied by the physical demands of English football.
| Feature | Joaquin Seys Profile |
| Age | 20 |
| Current Club | Club Brugge |
| Primary Position | Left-Back |
| Versatility | Can play Right-Back |
| Ground Duels Won | 70% |
| Experience | 100+ Senior Games |
One of the most attractive qualities Seys brings to the table is his tactical versatility. While he is being scouted primarily for the left-back role, he is equally comfortable operating on the right flank.
This “two-for-one” capability is incredibly valuable for a team like Newcastle, which has often felt vulnerable whenever a single injury hits the defensive line. Having a player who can seamlessly switch sides provides the manager with a level of flexibility that the current squad occasionally lacks.
The timing of this pursuit is no coincidence. With veteran defender Matt Targett expected to move on from St. James’ Park at the end of the season, a vacancy is opening up for a new deputy. Rather than looking for a short-term or older replacement, Newcastle’s leadership is leaning toward a more sustainable model.
Seys fits perfectly into the club’s vision of blending youth with coachability. He has already earned his first two call-ups to the Belgian national team, proving that his talent is being recognized on the international stage as well.
Ultimately, the move for Seys feels like a smart, forward-thinking piece of business. He has the legs to keep up with the high-pressing, high-intensity style that Eddie Howe demands, combined with the technical composure to help the team keep possession under pressure.
If Newcastle can secure his signature, they will be adding a player with a massive upside who could potentially lock down a defensive position for years to come. In a market where elite full-backs are becoming harder to find, identifying a talent like Seys early on could be a masterstroke for the Tyneside recruitment department.
