Newcastle identify three summer priorities after £100m transfer boost

With the January transfer window now closed, attention shifts to the summer as Newcastle United prepare to strengthen their squad after a quiet winter.

Despite making no new signings, the club secured a financial boost through the departures of Miguel Almirón and Lloyd Kelly, generating £30 million and improving their PSR position.

However, this came at the cost of squad depth, leaving Eddie Howe potentially short of options for the remainder of the season. While missing out on a right-winger and losing key players is far from ideal, the upcoming transfer window presents an opportunity for Newcastle to make significant improvements in several key areas.

A new report highlights the club’s priorities for the summer, outlining three key positions Newcastle intend to strengthen.

The next transfer window is expected to mark a crucial stage in the club’s rebuild after a challenging January, with recruitment plans focusing on a centre-back, a right-winger, and a striker.

This strategy signals a shift after three consecutive windows without significant reinforcements to Eddie Howe’s starting XI. Strengthening these areas will be essential as the squad seeks the necessary upgrades to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

At centre-back, Newcastle must address long-term concerns, particularly with Fabian Schär now 33 years old. While the Swiss defender remains an important figure in the squad, the club has been scouting potential replacements for over a year.

Several names have emerged as possible targets, including Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, and Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande. Each of these players possesses the attributes needed to reinforce Newcastle’s defensive line and provide stability for years to come.

On the right wing, an upgrade remains a pressing need despite Jacob Murphy’s improvements. Almirón’s exit has further exposed the lack of depth in that area, making a new addition a priority.

Several options have been linked with a move, including Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Any of these players could provide the attacking spark Newcastle require to bolster their forward options.

Up front, securing another striker to compete with Alexander Isak will be crucial, especially as Callum Wilson nears the end of his contract.

His persistent injury struggles have limited his availability, emphasizing the need for a reliable alternative. One potential target is Lille’s Jonathan David, who has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time.

The Canadian international is set to become a free agent in June, making him an attractive option, though competition for his signature is expected to be fierce.

With financial flexibility expected in the summer, Newcastle have the opportunity to make meaningful additions and reinforce their squad in areas that need the most attention.

The upcoming window could mark a turning point in the club’s long-term ambitions, providing Howe with the quality and depth required to push Newcastle to the next level.