Newcastle enter race to sign “ice cool” titan who’d be a better signing than Sancho

Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League next season has added a new dimension to Eddie Howe’s recruitment strategy, giving him the chance to attract players of elite caliber.

Among those being considered is Jadon Sancho, whose time at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close. The winger, who spent a short loan stint at Chelsea, is reportedly valued at around £25 million—an amount that could be within Newcastle’s reach.

Though his spell in London saw him net five goals and provide eight assists, it’s debatable whether he did enough to warrant a permanent move.

Still, acquiring a player with Sancho’s potential would represent a bold statement, particularly for a club eager to solidify its place among Europe’s elite.

Despite the appeal of signing a player like Sancho, Newcastle may need to prioritize other areas of the pitch. The club conceded 47 goals in the Premier League last season—more than any of the teams that finished in the top five.

That statistic highlights the need to reinforce the goalkeeping department. While Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka have both had moments of quality, neither has provided the commanding presence needed to stabilize the back line at the highest level of competition.

This is where Marc-André ter Stegen enters the equation. According to reports from Spain, the Barcelona shot-stopper could be on the move, especially following the rise of Joan Garcia at the Camp Nou.

A host of clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Manchester City, and Juventus are monitoring the German’s situation, but Newcastle have also thrown their hat into the ring.

Securing Ter Stegen’s signature ahead of these giants would not only bolster the Magpies’ squad—it would make a clear statement of intent about their ambitions in Europe and domestically.

Compared to Sancho, the case for bringing in Ter Stegen is far more convincing. Sancho’s struggles in England are well-documented.

Across 83 appearances for Manchester United, he managed just 12 goals, and his form didn’t improve significantly during his 41-game stint at Chelsea. That kind of return is underwhelming, especially considering the attacking talent Newcastle already possesses.

With players like Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy available on the wings, the need to add Sancho—particularly at a premium—is questionable.

In contrast, Ter Stegen’s pedigree is unquestionable. The 32-year-old has been a mainstay at Barcelona since arriving in 2014, amassing over 400 appearances and an impressive 175 clean sheets.

Although he featured in just nine games last season due to injury and rotation, his overall contribution to Barcelona’s success over the past decade cannot be overlooked.

His La Liga performances during the 2023/24 season demonstrate that he still has plenty to offer. Across 28 league appearances, he averaged 2.7 saves per game and maintained a 74% save success rate.

Even more impressively, he successfully completed all of his runs out per game and maintained 94% pass accuracy in his own half—proof of his composure and distribution from the back.

Ter Stegen’s command over his penalty area, comfort with the ball at his feet, and ability to make critical saves in big games make him a transformational signing.

Goalkeeper.com once referred to him as “ice cool” for his calm intervention in a Champions League match, an attribute Newcastle could certainly use on European nights.

While his contract at Barcelona runs until 2028, and the financial details of a potential deal remain unclear, the impact he could make at St James’ Park justifies the pursuit.

Here’s a comparison of Newcastle’s current goalkeepers from the 2024/25 season:

These numbers highlight the consistency issues both Pope and Dubravka have faced. Although they’ve had strong individual performances, neither has managed to deliver at the level expected of a top-tier Champions League goalkeeper. Ter Stegen’s track record suggests he would significantly elevate the quality in that position.

While Sancho still possesses promise and might rediscover his best form in the right environment, it’s clear that signing Ter Stegen offers more value and certainty for a club looking to take the next big leap.

With Champions League football on the horizon, Newcastle must think strategically. Making Ter Stegen their marquee signing would send the kind of message that resonates across Europe—a club no longer content with potential, but one that’s aiming for silverware.