Newcastle United are looking for value in the transfer market, and they appear to have picked out a gem from Brazil who has a release clause worth £87m, but he could be signed for less.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Newcastle could be among the busier teams in the market, with reports claiming they are now seeking an “immediate agreement” for one star in the coming weeks.
The Magpies have had to be clever with their moves in the market, with their takeover creating a sense that there was cash to burn at St. James’ Park.
However, given the PSR restrictions in place, it hasn’t been that simple for the hierarchy to get things right, as they look to grow the squad in terms of value at the same time as looking for rapid improvements.
The summer was perhaps the best example of that, as the club failed to keep hold of Alexander Isak, and had to splash the cash to land Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa as the replacements up front.
While there was some scrutiny over some of the fees paid, there have been big successes, with Woltemade settling in well, while Malick Thiaw seems a bargain for just over £30m from AC Milan.
Given the challenge of playing in the Premier League and the Champions League this season, January could provide another opportunity to stock the squad with quality to help Eddie Howe drag the team through a tough fixture schedule.
Newcastle have been linked with Ousmane Diomande and Alex Toth as potential options, but there is another candidate who is emerging as a target.
According to ESPN Brazil, Palmeiras star Allan Elias is an option, with the Brazilian club looking to raise funds in 2026 to help create a new squad.
Newcastle are said to want an “immediate transfer agreement” for the 21-year-old midfielder, who has a release clause in his deal worth roughly £87m.
The overall fee could work out as far less than that, however, with Palmeiras turning down a £17m bid for the star, with an expectation of further offers worth around £28m.
It would present a potential option for Newcastle to find some value, with a star who is still at the start of his career and available at a price that could be so much more if he played in the Premier League.
Palmeiras has been a hotbed for talent over the years too, with Premier League stars such as Gabriel Jesus and Estevao Willian all coming through the club – if Allan Elias is the next one to make an impact in England, Newcastle will be hoping it’s in the famous black and white stripes.
It comes as Newcastle could be one of the busier sides in the January market, especially if they see an opportunity to make a top signing, while the Premier League remains so wide open.
“No, we haven’t had discussions yet,” Howe admitted when asked about the January transfer window. “But we will and we will very soon because we need to be across everything that’s going to happen in January. We never quite know what the month will look like.
“You can have a vision of it being quiet or the opposite, and the reality can be very different. So we need to be across it. We need to be prepared for all eventualities.
“Always would love, whether that’s bringing someone in, always keep the squad fresh. And that will be a feeling that you have from within.
“Every window our outlook is to be active. How that looks, I’ve got no idea. Finances, I haven’t had those discussions yet. But we will do in the next few days.”
New sporting director Ross Wilson has also spoken out about the situation at the club since his arrival, suggesting more than just the playing side of the club needs an overhaul.
He said: “We have to strengthen all the pillars we have in football operations. We have to invest in them all. David [Hopkinson] used the example of data on the stadium side of things, I could say the same on the football side. The data side was way behind what I’ve seen elsewhere.
“Obviously, we’ve made an appointment in recent times, and that’s already helping us up
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