Newcastle United may yet end up doing business with Manchester City, but if that happens, it looks increasingly likely that the player involved will not be Oscar Bobb. The young winger was briefly mentioned in recent transfer talk, with suggestions that he had been offered to Newcastle, but that idea now feels like one that never truly made sense.
Newcastle are not short of wide players, and adding another winger is not a priority at this stage of the season. What the club really needs is strength at the back and more balance in midfield, especially with injuries starting to pile up.
The January transfer window is shaping up to be an important one for Newcastle. With backing from PIF, there is an expectation that around £100 million could be spent if the right opportunities present themselves.
A new full-back and a midfielder have been widely reported as key targets, but the situation in defence could force a rethink. Injuries to Dan Burn and Sven Botman have left Eddie Howe short of reliable options, and that lack of depth has been exposed at times. Bringing in a centre-back now feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
That is where Manchester City enter the conversation again, but this time the name being discussed makes far more sense for Newcastle’s needs. Reports suggest that Nathan Aké is being looked at by several Premier League clubs, with Newcastle among those keeping a close eye on his situation.
The Dutch defender has had a frustrating season in terms of minutes, and there is a growing feeling that he may be ready for a new challenge where he can play more regularly.
It is believed that Aké is unhappy with how little football he has seen at City, especially at this stage of his career. While he remains a trusted squad player under Pep Guardiola, he has often found himself behind others in the pecking order.
A loan move has already been discussed elsewhere, with West Ham reportedly making an approach, but Aké is said to have turned that option down. He is not keen on being dragged into a relegation fight and wants to join a team with clear ambition and stability.
Newcastle fit that description perfectly, but they are not alone. Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are also thought to be interested, which means any move would not be straightforward.
The biggest hurdle of all, however, could be Guardiola himself. City are in the middle of another title challenge, and weakening the squad midway through the season is not something he usually welcomes. Letting a versatile and experienced defender leave, even on loan, would be a tough decision.
From Newcastle’s point of view, Aké feels like an almost perfect solution. If a loan deal could be agreed, it would give Howe an instant upgrade in defence without tying the club down to a long-term contract for a player in his thirties on high wages. That kind of flexibility is valuable, especially as Newcastle continue to build carefully and plan for the future.
Aké would also bring something the current back line lacks: experience at the very top level. He has won major trophies, played in huge matches, and knows exactly what it takes to compete for honours.
That mentality alone would be a massive boost in the dressing room. Malick Thiaw has impressed this season and shown real promise, but he has not always had a steady, reliable partner alongside him. Aké could provide that calm presence.
On the pitch, his qualities suit Newcastle well. He is naturally left-sided, comfortable on the ball, strong in the air, and composed under pressure. He reads the game well and does not panic when pressed, which is vital in the Premier League. He also fits the style Eddie Howe wants, with defenders expected to build play and step into midfield when needed.
Another big advantage is his versatility. If injuries strike again, Aké can cover at left-back without the team losing balance. That extra option could prove crucial over a long and demanding second half of the season.
While nothing is guaranteed and Manchester City will have the final say, this is the kind of move that makes sense for Newcastle. Forget Oscar Bobb. If Newcastle are going shopping at the Etihad, Nathan Aké is the name that truly fits what the team needs right now.
