In recent seasons, Italy has proven to be a remarkably successful hunting ground for Newcastle United’s recruitment team. The arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Malick Thiaw from Milan are prime examples of how talent from Serie A can thrive under the lights at St James’ Park.
These players didn’t just adapt to the Premier League; they became essential components of Eddie Howe’s vision for a high-intensity, modern side. This track record has led many supporters to call for continued investment in talent from the continent.
After all, the club’s recent history is littered with success stories involving players brought in from European leagues, with Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman serving as the gold standard for how international recruitment can transform a team’s ceiling.
Following a notably quiet winter transfer window, there is a growing sense of anticipation among the fanbase that this summer will bring a significant wave of investment. The goal is clear: the club needs to add top-tier quality to the starting eleven while simultaneously fixing a bench that has often looked thin during the most demanding periods of the campaign.
This need for reliable, multi-functional players has led to fresh reports linking Newcastle with a move for a versatile star currently plying his trade in Milan.
According to the Italian media outlet L’Interista, Newcastle is keeping a very close eye on Inter Milan’s Carlos Augusto. The 27-year-old defender is not a new name for the scouting department, as the club was reportedly interested in him back in 2023 during his impressive stint at Monza.
What makes Augusto such an attractive prospect for a manager like Eddie Howe is his incredible versatility. In the modern game, a player who can seamlessly transition between playing as a traditional left-back, an advanced wing-back, and even as a left-sided center-back is worth their weight in gold.
While Augusto has primarily served as a squad player under the current management at Inter, his stock remains high. He is currently under contract until 2028, and reports suggest that Inter would likely look for a fee in the region of €30 million to let him go.
This price tag might seem a bit steep for a player who is approaching his late twenties and might not walk straight into the starting lineup every week. However, when you consider the defensive crisis Newcastle has navigated over the past year, the argument for spending that kind of money on high-quality depth becomes much stronger.
The report also mentions that Aston Villa is interested in the Brazilian, which wouldn’t be the first time the two clubs have gone head-to-head for a target. Just last month, both sides were linked with Oscar Mingueza, another defender known for his ability to cover multiple positions.
For Villa, however, the path to signing Augusto seems blocked by the presence of Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne. This could leave the door wide open for Newcastle to lead the race, provided they are willing to meet the valuation.
The primary reason Augusto appeals to the Magpies is the sheer lack of bodies in the defensive unit. The injury list at Newcastle has been nothing short of a nightmare recently. With key figures like Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, and Emil Krafth spending significant time on the sidelines, the coaching staff has been forced into constant improvisation.
The departure of Jamaal Lascelles to Leicester and the ongoing fitness struggles of players like Dan Burn and Lewis Hall have only added to the feeling of vulnerability. Entering another season with such a shallow pool of defenders would be a massive gamble, especially if the club hopes to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
Investing €30 million in a player like Augusto represents a shift in strategy. It is an admission that elite squad depth is just as important as a star-studded front three. Fans have rightfully pointed out that the physical demands of the Premier League are only increasing, and having a “Swiss Army knife” style defender who can fill three different roles could save the team during an injury crisis.
While it remains to be seen if the hierarchy will pull the trigger on this specific deal, Carlos Augusto certainly checks the boxes for a team looking to toughen up and broaden its horizons. As the summer window approaches, this is definitely a story worth watching.
