Newcastle United have reportedly learned the release clause of Athletic Bilbao’s standout midfielder Oihan Sancet, as transfer links between the Spanish star and the Premier League side continue to gather pace.
The 25-year-old has been one of La Liga’s most consistent performers, catching the eye of several top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Arsenal. Now, Newcastle appear to be among his admirers, though the financial challenge of securing his signature could prove significant.
Sources in Spain claim that Sancet, who is under contract with Athletic Bilbao until 2032, has a release clause set at around £69 million.
For a club like Newcastle United, currently balancing ambition with financial fair play constraints, that is a hefty fee to consider.
However, Sancet’s combination of technical quality, athleticism, and work rate makes him an intriguing option for Eddie Howe’s evolving side.
At 6ft 2in, Sancet fits the profile of player Newcastle have targeted in recent years tall, powerful, and dynamic. The midfielder has already proven his ability to influence games from deep or advanced positions, with 43 goals to his name for Bilbao.
Last season alone, he scored 15 times in 29 appearances, underlining his attacking instincts and versatility. For Howe, who values balance and energy in his midfield trio, Sancet could be a perfect fit alongside Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton.
Newcastle are expected to strengthen again next summer, with the goal of maintaining a deep and competitive squad capable of fighting on multiple fronts.
Should the club decide to loan out young Lewis Miley or part ways with Joe Willock, Sancet’s arrival could provide both depth and quality.
His ability to drive forward with the ball, link up play, and finish chances from midfield would add a new dimension to the Magpies’ attacking structure.
Unfortunately, fans hoping to see Sancet in action against Newcastle in the Champions League may have to wait.
The Pamplona-born star is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, casting doubt over his participation in what could have been a direct audition at St James’ Park.
Even so, his reputation continues to grow across Europe, and a move to the Premier League seems increasingly plausible in the near future.
While transfer talk swirls, Newcastle officials have also been managing concerns off the pitch. There were reports suggesting that supporters might face a travel restriction ahead of their Champions League clash with Marseille later this month.
The fixture, scheduled for November 25 at the iconic Velodrome, had raised questions after French authorities banned Ajax fans from attending a previous match there in September.
However, Newcastle have moved to reassure their fans that, as things stand, there are no such restrictions in place.
A club spokesperson confirmed that supporters are still permitted to travel to France but emphasized the importance of following all local guidelines. “From the information we have now, at this moment in time our fans are permitted to travel,” the spokesperson said.
“There are very clear instructions from the authorities in Marseille for when they do travel. So we’ll stick to that and let you know if there’s any change.”
The issue comes just days after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were banned from travelling to the UK for their Europa Conference League tie against Aston Villa due to security concerns raised by West Midlands Police.
With such examples fresh in mind, Newcastle fans will be hoping that their much-anticipated trip to Marseille goes ahead smoothly.
Meanwhile, football continues at home as St James’ Park prepares for another busy Champions League week. Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side are due to visit for what promises to be a thrilling European encounter.
But before the main event, the youth teams of both clubs will face off in the UEFA Youth League at Whitley Park. The match, kicking off at 2pm, will see Newcastle’s young Magpies look to register their first points in the competition after narrow defeats to Barcelona and Union SG earlier in the campaign. Tickets for the youth fixture are available in advance at £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
For Newcastle United, excitement is building both on and off the pitch. With Champions League football returning to Tyneside, high-profile transfer links like that of Oihan Sancet show how far the club has come in such a short time under Eddie Howe’s leadership.
Whether or not the Magpies can meet Bilbao’s £69 million valuation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear Newcastle are now serious contenders in the market for Europe’s elite talents, and their ambitions continue to rise with each passing window
