Newcastle United are moving through a difficult moment, and the growing pressure around the squad has pushed the club to explore smart transfer options ahead of the January window.
One opportunity that seems increasingly realistic is the chance to bring in Spain international Oscar Mingueza on a cut-price deal or perhaps even for free in the summer.
As the clock ticks down on his contract at Celta Vigo, the defender’s situation has caught the attention of several clubs, including Newcastle, who believe he could be a valuable addition at a very reasonable cost.
This season has not gone the way Newcastle hoped. After finishing fourth, seventh and fifth in recent years, they have shown a shocking dip in form and now sit 14th in the table. Even a win in their next match may not be enough to lift them out of that position.
The club has been struggling with injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of depth, and it has become clear that reinforcements are needed if they want to get back on track and avoid slipping deeper into trouble. That is why the idea of signing a versatile, experienced defender like Mingueza is suddenly very appealing.
Mingueza will be out of contract next summer, and that alone makes him attractive to clubs looking for value in the market. Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has already pointed out that many teams are monitoring his situation closely.
From Newcastle’s perspective, the chance to sign a Spain international without spending a large transfer fee is the kind of opportunity they must take advantage of, especially as they still need to comply with financial restrictions.
O’Rourke also highlighted that Celta Vigo might be forced to consider a small fee in January rather than risk losing him for nothing a few months later. For Newcastle, this opens the door to a deal that makes sense both economically and strategically.
A big part of Mingueza’s appeal is his versatility. He is comfortable playing as a centre-back, a full-back, and even as a midfielder when required. That flexibility is invaluable for a Premier League club dealing with injuries and tactical adjustments.
Newcastle have needed players who can cover multiple roles, and Mingueza fits that requirement perfectly. He also has experience at a high level, having come through Barcelona’s system before establishing himself in La Liga.
His confidence on the ball, ability to adjust to different roles, and strong work rate make him an ideal fit for Eddie Howe’s style of play.
While Newcastle seem well positioned to move for him, they do face competition. Reports from Spain claim that West Ham have also shown interest and have made their intentions clear to Celta Vigo.
The Spanish club had hoped to extend Mingueza’s deal, but his recent performances and the contractual situation have made negotiations complicated. Despite the suggestion from some sources that his recent form has dipped, the numbers tell a different story.
Mingueza already has one goal and three assists this season, including a standout game against Levante where he directly influenced two goals. For a defender, those contributions show he offers more than just solid positioning at the back.
His release clause sits at €20 million (£17.7m), but that does not guarantee Celta will stick to that price. The club must also consider that Barcelona will receive half of whatever fee they manage to secure, which gives Celta even more reason to listen to offers in January.
If they choose to reject lower bids and hold firm, they risk losing him for free in the summer, and that is a risk many clubs simply cannot afford. Should Mingueza become available without a fee, Newcastle would almost certainly be in a stronger position than West Ham to convince him to join, especially with news that Fabian Schär could be leaving the club soon.
Newcastle’s defensive situation is becoming even more relevant as more reports suggest Schär is unlikely to sign a new contract. Approaches have already been made for the Swiss defender, meaning there may soon be a gap in the squad that must be filled quickly.
At the same time, the club continue to track young AZ Alkmaar talent Kees Smit, adding to the list of defensive options under consideration. Another name linked to the Magpies is Alexander Sørloth, who recently impressed again for Norway and was rated higher than Erling Haaland during their latest international outing.
For Newcastle, the coming weeks will be crucial. They need smart, affordable signings who can add depth, quality, and flexibility to the squad.
Mingueza fits that profile perfectly. With his contract winding down and interest growing across Europe, now may be the best moment for the club to act before someone else steps ahead.
