Newcastle United is still in the centre-back market and is reportedly taking on a competitive position with Liverpool to sign a Premier League rival.
Newcastle is set to target defensive additions in January
The summer transfer windows may close, but Newcastle has not stopped focusing on 2026. Magpies clearly aim to be far more prepared than the windows this summer.
It’s no surprise that Giovanni Leoni was one of these targets and Liverpool was at the heart of Newcastle’s frustration. The Magpie has outperformed the Reds in pursuit of Italian defenders, but he has spent the last few months putting his heart into the summer switch to Anfield with familiar stories on several aspects.
“We rejected a higher offer from Newcastle for Leoni, but our plans with Liverpool have changed. (Parma CEO Federico Cherubini)
Eddie Howe welcomed Malick Tear at least in the summer window, but Newcastle was able to insist that additional options were still needed at the heart of the backline.
Fabian Shah and Dan Byrne are now 33 years old, but the history of Sven Bottman’s injuries is a concern in itself. In fact, Newcastle only has a list of centre-back options, except for Chiau, that will be at the peak of their strength for the next few years.
Their striker problem has been resolved by Nick Urtemaid and Joane Wissa of Newcastle, so they seem ready to look towards their backline. Reports suggest that 2026 will ultimately enjoy revenge against Liverpool when it arrives.
Newcastle is targeting Van Hecke Hijack
Newcastle is currently targeting the move to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul Van Hecke in 2026, according to TeamTalk. The public hopes to eventually win one in the Premier League Champions as a replacement for Mark Guech.
It’s still the best time to do that. Van Hecke is on the rise and believes Newcastle should do everything to sign. At the age of 25, he is better at owning and more than holding himself out of the ball. With two years remaining on his current Brighton contract, it’s no surprise that the club’s growth list is interested.
Brighton’s manager Fabian Hazeler is farther apart than most of the talented Van Hecke. He told reporters in May: “I think it’s very important to recognize that he’s a very young player.
“He’s 23 years old and plays an incredible season. He shows great character. He likes his character because he’s very straightforward. He says his opinion, he’s always well-meaning.
“Of course he needs to develop in a few ways, but we always give very honest feedback. And I think he has all the character aspects to become captain one day, but that’s a long-term future at the moment.”