Newcastle United could welcome some new faces to St James’ Park this summer if they can secure qualification to the UEFA Conference League. The Magpies guaranteed themselves a shot at European glory next season by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe’s side have earned a place in the playoff round of the Conference League. But, if they were to qualify for for the Champions League or the Europa League by virtue of their Premier League position, their spot in the inferior tournament would be handed over to the next-highest ranked domestic team who have not already qualified for a UEFA competition.
As it stands, Newcastle, who have a game in hand, are sixth in the English top-flight and they’re just two points from Chelsea in fourth. Whether the Magpies creep back into the Champions League next season or not, Howe seems eager to prepare his squad for a European tour.
Last season, when Newcastle last competed in the competition, they finished bottom of their group. Howe didn’t always have a fully fit lineup at his disposal but, when he did, the Magpies managed to pick up respectable results against Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
Had the 47-year-old been more fortunate with injuries or armed with a stronger squad, it could have been a very different story. So, according to the Telegraph, the Chronicle has looked at every player Newcastle could sign this summer…
James Trafford
Trafford, who sees his contract at Turf Moor expire in June 2027, has featured 37 times for Burnley in the Championship this season, keeping 26 clean sheets. Playing a key role in Scott Parker’s side, the 22-year-old has taken the Clarets to the top of the table.
Thanks to Trafford, Burnley look primed to secure promotion back into the Premier League. So, it comes as no surprise to see the goalkeeper regularly linked with a move to Newcastle.
Marc Guehi
Guehi was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park in the summer as Howe looked to bolster his option at the back. Newcastle haven’t been the only club chasing the 24-year-old’s signature, though, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mooted as potential suitors.
Crystal Palace have reportedly asked for eye-watering sums in the past, but with his contract at Selhurst Park set to expire in June 2026, the Magpies could land themselves a bargain this summer.
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Dean Huijsen
Huijsen has established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe this season. The 19-year-old has always been regarded as an exciting talent, but his performances for Bournemouth have really caught the attention of top clubs.
The Cherries only signed Huijsen from Juventus in the summer, tying him down to a six-year contract. Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that the Spaniard has a release clause in his deal, but the exact fee remains unknown.
Illia Zabarnyi
Zabarnyi, who’s largely featured alongside Huijsen this season, has been just as impressive as his centre-half partner. The 22-year-old has been central to Bournemouth’s success this season, helping keep six clean sheets.
With his contract at the Vitality Stadium not set to expire until June 2029, the Cherries are expected to demand a hefty fee for the Ukrainian.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has also been linked with a move to Newcastle. The 25-year-old midfielder has been superb for Nottingham Forest this season, giving Nuno Espirito Santo’s side a genuine shot at Champions League qualification.
While Gibbs-White would be an excellent addition, it could be difficult to lure him from the City Ground. His contract, however, expires in June 2027, so the clock is ticking…
(Image: Getty Images)
Tyler Dibling
In what has been a pretty dull season for Southampton, who sit rock bottom of the Premier League, Dibling has been a shining light. The 19-year-old midfielder has shown flashes of great promise and he looks to be a great prospect.
(Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
Antoine Semenyo
Much like Huijsen and Zabarnyi, Semenyo has also been excellent for Bournemouth this season. The 25-year-old can play both flanks, making him a great squad player for Howe.
(Image: Getty Images)
Francisco Trincao
Trincao is another winger said to be on Newcastle’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old has been on fire for Sporting this season, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists in 26 games.
Unlike Semenyo, who can play on either flank, Trincao has regularly operated on the right, with a handful of appearances as a supporting striker.
(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Johan Bakayoko
Howe clearly wants to strengthen his option on the right! Bakayoko has been heavily linked with lots of Premier League clubs following his impressive performances for PSV Eindhoven.
Scoring just seven and setting up one in the Dutch top-flight this season, the 21-year-old hasn’t been as proficient in front of goal as other targets on this list. That said, Bakayoko is an entertainer, and he lifts fans from their seats.
Justin Kluivert
Kluivert passed his audition at St. James’ Park with flying colours. The 25-year-old winger is another Bournemouth player reportedly on the Magpies’ shortlist as Howe looks to bolster his frontline.
Jonathan David
David has been linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions in the past, but a switch has never materialised. With his contract at Lille set to expire in a few months, Newcastle could sign a prolific top-flight striker for free. He’s only 25, too!
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko
Sesko almost joined Arsenal in the summer before deciding to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig instead. The Gunners couldn’t commit to a deal before the Euros, with Eddie Nketiah still at the club and his future unknown at the time, so they missed out on the 21-year-old.
(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike is another exciting young striker on the market at the moment. The 22-year-old struggled to live up to expectations at Paris Saint-Germain before bursting into life at Eintracht Frankfurt.
He’s scored 13 goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances this season, finding the net against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. Similar in many way to Sesko, but unlike a few other forwards on the list, Ekitike is an out-and-out striker…
(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
