Eddie Howe is hoping to significantly bolster his Newcastle United starting XI ahead of the 2025-26 season, with a goalkeeper, centre-back, right winger and striker under consideration.
The Magpies are gearing up for another massive campaign, where Champions League football is returning to St James’ Park. United won the Carabao Cup and finished fifth in the Premier League table last term, despite making no major new signings.
Premier League Profitability and Sustainability (PSR) have limited Newcastle’s spending in the last 18 months and the squad has been weakened through the sales of Elliot Anderson, Yankuba Minteh, Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly. But this summer, positive change is expected.
While further incomings can’t be ruled out, United are in a financial position where they CAN strengthen. And over the weekend, enquires have been lodged for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.
There are no guarantees over either signing, with both commanding hefty price tags. But getting both over the line would add pace, power and directness to the attack, while their versatility would give Howe the ability to switch his formation, which has traditionally been 4-3-3.
Here is a look at how Newcastle could line-up for the 2025-26 season - if Howe gets the signings he currently wants.
1. GK: James Trafford
Trafford was set to sign for Newcastle last year but the deal was pulled when Nottingham Forest demanded Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle that took Elliot Anderson to the City Ground. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Fabrizio Romano continues to drum up Manchester City’s interest in Livramento but the 22-year-old is going nowhere. Too important and, even by Man City’s standards, too expensive. | Getty Images
3. CB: Marc Guehi
Guehi was Newcastle’s top transfer target last summer and remains high on the list. With the England international out of contract in 12 months’ time, it is hoped Crystal Palace will lower their demands, which was £70m last year. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images