Newcastle United have been given the green light to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer this summer, potentially solving a key problem position for Eddie Howe's side. The 26-year-old Spanish full-back is set to become a free agent as his contract at the La Liga club expires, allowing Newcastle to pursue a deal without a transfer fee.
Right-Back Priority for Newcastle
Newcastle's right-back options have been severely depleted. Tino Livramento is currently the team's only recognised senior right-back, with both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth reaching the end of their contracts. While Lewis Miley and academy prospect Leo Shahar can deputise, Livramento is recovering from injury, leaving Howe short of cover. Signing a new right-back is a top priority for the summer window.
Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and are looking to spend their transfer funds wisely as they aim to return to the Champions League places. An early deal has been struck for highly-rated goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, but a right-back remains the most pressing need.
Mingueza's Profile and Versatility
Mingueza is a Barcelona academy graduate who made 66 appearances for the Catalan club before moving to Celta Vigo four years ago. He has consistently impressed at Celta, making 47 appearances last season, scoring once and registering six assists. According to Transfermarkt, he has played 32 of his 147 appearances at left-back and 12 at centre-back, offering versatility across the defence and as a wingback.
Spanish outlet AS has reported that Newcastle are competing with Arsenal for Mingueza's signature. The defender missed out on a place in Spain's World Cup squad, allowing him to focus on securing his next move.
Howe's Transfer Philosophy
Speaking before the end of the season, Howe said: "We need to be ready to twist and turn, depending on what happens. We certainly want a smoother one than last summer. We will need a stronger, tighter squad that's ready to fight next season for the football club. As long as I have that, I'm happy."
Howe emphasised the importance of signing players who are desperate to join Newcastle. "If I look back at the most successful signings we've had here, every player has been desperate to come and put that black and white shirt on. So I think take apart all the other things. That is number one for me," he said last month.
Potential Impact
Mingueza's versatility would be a valuable asset, particularly given that Lewis Hall is competing with Dan Burn for the left-back position. Signing Mingueza would not only solve the right-back problem but also provide cover across the backline. With Newcastle needing to be savvy in the transfer market after missing out on European football last term, a free transfer for a player of Mingueza's calibre fits Howe's requirements perfectly.
