Newcastle United’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign have not gone as smoothly as Eddie Howe might have hoped. What was expected to be a season of progress and ambition has instead started with frustration and early injury setbacks that have disrupted the team’s rhythm.
The manager’s plans have been tested heavily in recent weeks, with key players such as Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento joining the growing list of absentees. Their injuries have not only affected Newcastle’s defensive balance but also limited their fluid attacking play, forcing Howe to explore options in the upcoming transfer window.
The injuries have created a clear gap in defensive depth, particularly at fullback, where Newcastle have been stretched thin. Unsurprisingly, the club is now exploring possible reinforcements ahead of January, and reports from Spain suggest that Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have turned their attention to Celta Vigo’s right-back Óscar Mingueza.
Mingueza, a 26-year-old former Barcelona player, has quietly built a strong reputation in La Liga for his intelligence, versatility, and technical control on the ball.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Newcastle are among several clubs monitoring his situation closely as he enters the final year of his contract with Celta Vigo. Premier League rivals Aston Villa and West Ham are also believed to be in the mix, while interest from abroad is strong, with Marseille, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Como all reportedly keeping tabs on the defender.
For Newcastle, this link makes perfect sense. Mingueza’s ability to play both as a right-back and a central defender provides the kind of flexibility Howe values highly in his system.
With the club’s current defensive injuries and Kieran Trippier nearing the twilight of his career, the Spaniard could represent a smart and strategic signing.
Celta Vigo’s situation could also work in Newcastle’s favour. Mingueza’s current deal expires next summer, and with no agreement in sight over an extension, the Spanish club may prefer to sell in January rather than lose him for free.
The situation is further complicated by a 50% sell-on clause in Mingueza’s contract, which means Barcelona would receive half of any transfer fee.
That clause reportedly discouraged Celta from accepting previous offers, but with time running out, they may be forced to reconsider their position.
For Newcastle, the timing could be ideal. With Trippier now 35 and on wages exceeding £100,000 a week, the club is aware that it needs to plan for life after the England international.
The veteran’s leadership and quality have been instrumental in Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe, but reports have suggested that Monaco and several Saudi Arabian clubs are considering moves for him. His departure if it happens would leave a major gap on the right side of defense.
Adding to the challenge, Emil Krafth is also approaching the end of his contract and has been linked with a potential transfer to Copenhagen.
Should both players leave within the same period, Newcastle would be left with Livramento as the only natural right-back option, making reinforcement essential. In that scenario, Mingueza could arrive as both a rotation player and a long-term replacement, allowing the team to maintain continuity without rushing new recruits into the starting lineup.
However, there remains one major consideration: competition for places. Newcastle’s depth under Howe has made it difficult for new signings to break into the starting eleven.
This could make potential targets wary of joining a squad already packed with talent in every position. As seen with other signings like Alexander Isak, even highly-rated players have had to fight hard for minutes on the pitch.
For that reason, Newcastle’s hierarchy may need to provide clarity on Trippier’s future before pursuing Mingueza aggressively. If the club intends to part ways with its captain soon, the Spanish defender could be offered a clear pathway into the first team a factor that might tip negotiations in Newcastle’s favour.
Mingueza’s technical background, shaped at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, makes him well-suited for Howe’s tactical demands. He is comfortable in possession, composed under pressure, and has the awareness to contribute both defensively and offensively.
For a Newcastle side that values controlled buildup and dynamic fullback play, he would fit naturally into their style.
As January approaches, this developing story could gain momentum. If Newcastle’s injury problems persist and Trippier’s situation remains unresolved, Howe may push the club to act quickly.
Bringing in a player like Óscar Mingueza would not only provide much-needed depth but also signal that Newcastle remain committed to building a sustainable, balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
In many ways, the decision to move for Mingueza could shape the next stage of Howe’s project. With the club balancing ambition and practicality, securing a player of his profile could be another smart step toward ensuring Newcastle’s progress doesn’t stall in a season already filled with challenges.
