Newcastle United are intensifying their preparations for the next two transfer windows, with head coach Matthias Jaissle already hinting at 'adjustments' to his squad in 2027. Having arrived in early August, many key spending decisions had already been made, but the German is expected to have more influence in the coming trading periods.
January window approach
With the January window approaching, Jaissle is looking to improve on getting the basics right, and sporting director Ross Wilson is open to a refresh. Although the January sales are still months away, Newcastle are already making enquiries and receiving player offers via agents and intermediaries, which has sparked transfer speculation linking the club with several targets.
Key targets and interest
Among the names mentioned is Feyenoord's Anis Hadj Moussa. The 24-year-old Algeria international has scored seven goals and made two assists in 11 appearances for the Dutch side this season. Newcastle face competition from Borussia Dortmund, FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, and rivals Sunderland, while Feyenoord have dismissed enquiries around the £35m mark, with Brighton & Hove Albion also interested.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was on Newcastle's radar in the summer as they searched for a new No 1. After passing on Aaron Ramsdale, the club was offered Carl Rushworth and Zion Suzuki, who was scouted at Wembley during Japan's 1-0 win in March. Newcastle eventually signed Lukas Hornicek from SC Braga for £25.7 million, and he impressed in the 1-1 draw at Fulham, earning man of the match. Reports from Germany suggest Newcastle were prepared to pay Kobel £210,000 per week, but with Ewen Jaouen also on board and Kobel's £58m asking price, a January move appears unlikely. Hornicek is currently regarded as Jaissle's No 1.
Outgoing players and other prospects
Nick Pope's name has been put to West Ham boss Scott Parker as a possible January option, with Bayern Munich also linked as a potential destination. Pope has no future at Newcastle beyond this season, and the club's last chance to cash in will be in January. Moving him off the books could open up squad cost reduction possibilities at the start of 2027.
Newcastle have also watched Middlesbrough's Will Lankshear, a £10m signing from Tottenham Hotspur, who has scored 15 goals this season. The 21-year-old is valued at around £17m, and Tottenham are due 20% of any future sale. Middlesbrough are unlikely to sell cheaply, with chairman Steve Gibson not known for handing Newcastle players easily.
