Newcastle United could sign 120-goal striker Dion Drena Beljo, cut-price playmaker Bilal El Khannouss and left-back cover in a dream January transfer window, as Matthias Jaissle's side look to revive a stuttering season.
Striker priority as goals dry up
The goals that left St James' Park with Alexander Isak have not yet been replaced. William Osula ended last term on a high, but he has not been able to find form so far this campaign, scoring just once after suffering a foot injury in August. Yoane Wissa has been equally underwhelming, with only one goal in 13 games. Newcastle's top scorer in all competitions is Harvey Barnes with just four goals.
Signing a striker has to be priority No. 1 in January, and the i Paper claims that the club have set their sights on one of Europe's most prolific sharpshooters. Newcastle fans will already appreciate Dion Drena Beljo, as it was his goal that sealed a 2-0 victory for Dinamo Zagreb against Sunderland in the Europa League earlier this month. Beljo, who is just 24, has been on fire this term.
He has bagged 120 career goals and, in just 20 games this campaign, he has scored 19 times whilst setting up another nine strikes. That is almost a goal a game. Scouts have already been sent to watch the Croat in action, and he is valued at around £20m, so he would not break the bank. The 6ft 5in-tall Beljo could add the potent finishing touch that Newcastle currently lack.
El Khannouss available at reduced price
Wherever Jaissle has managed before, his side has relied on a No. 10 who links the midfield and the forward line. But at Newcastle, he does not possess such a player. Joe Willock and Wissa have been shoehorned in, but the upcoming window could provide the club with a chance to sign a game-changer. That is exactly how some might describe Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss.
The Moroccan dynamo left Leicester City for Germany on loan in 2025 and played admirably, leading to the deal being made permanent for just £12.5m. But almost instantly other clubs came sniffing around, and the Magpies were reportedly among them. The £54m price tag put suitors off, though.
El Khannouss scored four goals and registered five assists in 19 starts last term and has started well this campaign, recording exceptionally high dribbling percentages and cross accuracy. But he is not the first name on the teamsheet, and Sky Germany reports Stuttgart have lowered their asking price to just £33m. For this sum, the 22-year-old would be a low-risk acquisition, would not cause a PSR headache, and might be the creative spark Jaissle's side needs in the No. 10 to kickstart a stellar season.
Left-back cover sought
Lewis Hall penned a long-term extension in September after exit rumours enshrouded this summer. He has started every single game this season and played every single minute. As impressive as that is, Newcastle are one injury away from a dilemma. There is no bona fide backup to Hall, with Dan Burn the likely deputy or Tino Livramento having to be taken from the right. Livramento is also currently sidelined, and regardless, either option may weaken the team elsewhere.
Signing cover at left-back is another viable option in January then, and Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri is available. Newcastle have not shown any interest in the Algerian, but he has requested a move away from City and is valued at just £30m. This is a rather speculative suggestion, but Ait-Nouri could come in to aid Hall and give the Englishman a break from time to time.
It is worth noting, however, that Ait-Nouri would probably want more first-team minutes, as that is what he lacks at City. Elsewhere, reports in Poland suggest that Newcastle have been scouting Wisla Krakow's Jakub Krzyzanowski. The 20-year-old left-back has been in fine form this season and could be a younger, cheaper, more realistic option.
