Update: Newcastle now ready to hijack Sunderland move and trigger star’s release clause

Newcastle United appear ready to reignite the Premier League’s fiercest local rivalry in emphatic fashion by potentially snatching a high-profile Serie A talent right from under Sunderland’s nose.

In a transfer twist that could add even more spark to the Tyne-Wear derby, Newcastle are reportedly preparing to hijack Sunderland’s pursuit of Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

Despite suffering multiple setbacks in the transfer window, Newcastle have refused to let early disappointments derail their recruitment drive. Their ambition remains unshaken, with the club now pushing aggressively to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of a critical new season.

After their initial £45 million bid for Anthony Elanga was turned down by Nottingham Forest, the Magpies have returned to the table with an improved offer, demonstrating their serious intent.

Elanga, who just enjoyed a breakout campaign at Forest, is back on Newcastle’s radar as the club seeks to secure his pace, creativity, and goal threat for their attacking line. The Swede impressed with a string of influential performances, playing a key role in Forest’s shock push into European contention.

Now, with Forest open to negotiation and Newcastle refusing to walk away, the chances of a transfer breakthrough have never looked better.

Elanga isn’t the only name close to a move to St James’ Park. Newcastle are also closing in on the signing of James Trafford from Burnley.

The young goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Burnley’s Championship title-winning season, is being lined up to provide serious competition to current No.1 Nick Pope.

Trafford’s shot-stopping ability, coupled with his comfort on the ball and distribution skills, has marked him out as a goalkeeper built for the modern game—qualities that appeal deeply to Howe’s tactical approach.

Securing both Elanga and Trafford would mark a significant shift in Newcastle’s transfer fortunes, especially after losing out on earlier top targets like Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo.

But it’s the latest revelation involving Matteo Guendouzi that adds another dramatic twist to the club’s summer. According to reports from Corriere della Sera, relayed via Sport Witness, Newcastle are prepared to meet Guendouzi’s €50 million release clause at Lazio, thereby leapfrogging Sunderland, who had been working on a deal of their own.

Guendouzi, well-known to Premier League fans from his time at Arsenal, has matured considerably since departing the Emirates in 2022.

His development across spells with Marseille and Lazio has refined his game and strengthened his reputation as a dynamic, industrious central midfielder.

At 25, the French international offers both top-level experience and untapped potential—traits that align perfectly with Newcastle’s recruitment ethos.

His stats from the previous season support that narrative. Guendouzi logged 3,270 minutes across all competitions, racking up 173 ball recoveries, 89 progressive carries, and 21 tackles won—numbers that outperformed current Newcastle stalwart Joelinton in several areas.

Although Joelinton remains a vital piece of Howe’s system, Guendouzi’s arrival would not only provide healthy competition but also crucial depth in a position where Newcastle need more options heading into a campaign that includes Champions League football.

Gary Neville once described Guendouzi as a natural “leader,” and his combative style, vision, and ability to dictate play could give Newcastle the midfield versatility they have lacked at times.

The Magpies’ previous Champions League run was marred by injuries and a lack of depth, and Guendouzi’s potential signing shows that the club has learned from those mistakes. They are now clearly focused on ensuring the squad can sustain both domestic and European commitments.

Beyond the tactical and performance benefits, landing Guendouzi ahead of Sunderland would offer symbolic value. In a region where football allegiances run deep, the idea of Newcastle pipping their archrivals to a marquee signing only adds fuel to the fire of an already storied rivalry.

It sends a statement about ambition, pulling power, and long-term project direction—three pillars that define where Newcastle are heading under Howe and the club’s Saudi-backed ownership.

Guendouzi’s signing would be more than just a football transaction. It would represent a bold stride forward in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, while simultaneously reinforcing the North East’s black-and-white side as the area’s true footballing powerhouse.

As pre-season edges closer and Newcastle accelerate their recruitment drive, all signs suggest they are done being second-best in the market. With calculated moves for Elanga, Trafford, and now Guendouzi in motion, the Magpies are not just building a team—they’re crafting a statement.