With less than a week remaining before Newcastle United kick off their highly anticipated Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 16, the Magpies find themselves at the epicenter of a whirlwind transfer market. The club, fresh off a history-making 2024-25 season that saw them clinch their first major trophy in nearly three decades and secure a return to the Champions League, is now racing against the clock to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for the challenges ahead.
After a campaign that will live long in Geordie memory—Dan Burn and Alexander Isak famously led the charge in a gritty 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool at Wembley—expectations on Tyneside have soared. Newcastle’s fifth-place Premier League finish, sealed with 66 points and a superior goal difference over Aston Villa, has only intensified the demand for fresh talent and squad depth as European football beckons once more.
So far, Newcastle’s transfer window has produced two notable arrivals: Swedish winger Anthony Elanga and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Both are expected to play pivotal roles, with Elanga’s pace and directness offering new options out wide and Ramsdale bringing proven Premier League experience between the sticks. Yet, with the opening fixture looming large, the club’s recruitment drive is far from over.
The most dramatic subplot centers on Alexander Isak, last season’s Wembley hero. The Swedish striker has informed the club of his desire to leave, prompting a swift bid from Liverpool. Newcastle, however, wasted no time in rejecting the offer, making clear their reluctance to part with one of their crown jewels. As things stand, Isak is training in isolation at the Benton base, and Howe has admitted that persuading the forward to stay has been a tough task. The manager revealed over the weekend, “If I'd been able to persuade the centre-forward to pull on a black-and-white shirt, that would have been resolved by now.”
With uncertainty swirling around Isak’s future, Newcastle are actively exploring alternatives. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a top target, and there’s optimism that his move could be facilitated if Brentford complete the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. However, Liverpool’s interest in Wissa could complicate matters, especially after being told Newcastle will not sell Isak this summer. The transfer chess game continues, with both clubs jockeying for attacking reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the Magpies are closing in on a significant defensive addition. A £35 million deal has been agreed with AC Milan for German center-back Malick Thiaw, who is expected to arrive on Tyneside for a medical. Thiaw’s imminent arrival should add much-needed steel to a backline that will be tested on both domestic and European fronts. The Germany international is set to compete with Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman for a starting role, and his absence from Milan’s squad to face Chelsea only fueled the speculation that his move is all but done.
Newcastle’s defensive reshuffle doesn’t end there. AS Monaco are reportedly considering a move for right-back Kieran Trippier, who is entering the final year of his contract. Howe is keen to retain the experienced England international, but with contract negotiations unresolved, the situation is one to watch as the deadline approaches. Additionally, under-21 goalkeeper Aidan Harris has secured a loan move to Northern Ireland’s Coleraine for the first half of the season, while Odysseas Vlachodimos is set for a season-long loan in Seville, further streamlining the club’s goalkeeping options.
In midfield, Newcastle are casting their net wide for creativity. The club has made contact with Leicester City over a potential deal for Moroccan international Bilal El Khannouss. The 21-year-old, who impressed at Genk and has become a mainstay for Morocco, started for Leicester in their 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and is reportedly available for a £22.5 million release clause. With Newcastle awaiting detailed financial information, El Khannouss’s flair and ability to break down deep-lying defenses could be the missing link in Howe’s preferred 4-3-3 system, particularly if paired with the likes of Elanga and Anthony Gordon.
Gordon, for his part, provided a scare after twisting his ankle late in the pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid. Fortunately, both the player and Howe have since confirmed that the injury is not serious. Gordon posted on Instagram, “Just twist my ankle. No problems. Glad to be back home. Business time next.” Howe added, “The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.” This is a relief for fans eager to see Gordon, who was integral to last season’s success, back in action for the Premier League opener.
Elsewhere, the club’s youth and loan operations are ticking along. Young striker Antonio Cordero made his Belgian Pro League debut for Westerlo after joining on loan, though he was unable to influence the outcome in a 1-0 defeat to Mechelen. Meanwhile, Newcastle have also signed Isaac Moran from Liverpool’s Academy, adding another promising talent to their ranks as a first-year scholar.
Despite rumors linking Newcastle with West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the club has no current plans to pursue either player. ChronicleLive reports that, while Paqueta is a close friend of Bruno Guimaraes, there is no active move for the Brazilian midfielder, and Calvert-Lewin remains a free agent after leaving Everton earlier this summer.
In other Premier League news, Everton have secured Jack Grealish from Manchester City on a season-long loan, and Crystal Palace’s failed appeal to CAS means they will play in the Europa Conference League, with Nottingham Forest taking their spot in the Europa League proper. Liverpool, meanwhile, are close to sealing a £45 million deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, a player who had previously been on Newcastle’s radar before the club turned their attention to Thiaw.
As the transfer window enters its final days, Newcastle’s supporters are bracing for more twists and turns. The club’s ambition is clear: to build on last season’s successes, maintain their Champions League status, and perhaps, just perhaps, add another chapter to their storied history. With new signings imminent and key talents under siege from Europe’s elite, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the summer—and a thrilling new campaign at St. James’ Park.
