Matthias Jaissle's first transfer window as Newcastle United manager is shaping up to be a busy one, with the new boss needing to address several key issues before the season starts.
After Eddie Howe's departure, Jaissle is poised to take over from Al-Ahli, and he inherits a squad that has already seen significant changes. More than £130 million has been spent on new signings, including Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure, who arrived as a replacement for Anthony Gordon after the England star joined Barcelona. Sandro Tonali also left for Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100m, with young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba moving to St James' Park in response.
In goal, Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek have joined, paving the way for Nick Pope's expected exit, while Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have already moved on.
Midfield experience needed
Bruno Guimaraes remains at Newcastle for now, and a bid has been rejected, but he is expected to join Arsenal by the end of the window. To avoid a repeat of last year's Alexander Isak saga, which led to overpaying on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle may need to act decisively.
Tonali has gone, and Joelinton could follow amid Saudi Pro League interest. Bamba and Steur have high ceilings, but relying on two under-21s in midfield is a risk. Reports suggest Croatian star Petar Sucic could be available for just over £38m, with Leeds also keen. Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo is another option, as sporting director Ross Wilson brought him to England in 2023 and could repeat that in the north east.
Convince Lewis Hall to stay
With Guimaraes likely to leave, keeping Lewis Hall becomes crucial. The left-back has impressed since joining from Chelsea, attracting interest, particularly from Manchester United, who are reportedly preparing a £60m bid. Hall is under contract until 2029, so Jaissle is not under pressure to sell, and keeping him would send a strong message.
Replace Isak's goals
Goals were a problem in Howe's final season, with Isak scoring 23 in the league before his deadline-day move to Liverpool. The three nominal strikers tasked with replacing that tally – Woltemade, Wissa, and Will Osula – managed just 16 league goals between them. Wissa, a £50m signing from Brentford, scored only once in the league due to injuries, though he showed sharpness with three goals for DR Congo at the World Cup.
Jaissle may need a marquee striker, using the Tonali and Gordon money. Out-of-favour Chelsea striker Liam Delap has been linked, and Ivan Toney, who thrived under Jaissle at Al-Ahli, could return to St James' Park. Toney told Sky Sports News in February: “Never say never. I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time. I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what’s around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?”
