Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, is watching the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James's Park in Newcastle, on March 2, 2024. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Newcastle United handed Kobbie Mainoo transfer boost after Carabao Cup rule change
Newcastle United FC Transfer News
The EFL have changed their rules on cup-tied players in the Carabao Cup
Newcastle United will always wonder what might have been had Anthony Gordon been allowed to play in the 2023 Carabao Cup final. The forward had signed for the Magpies in the previous January transfer window, but was inelligble to play against Manchester United at Wembley as he had already turned out for Everton in that season’s competition.
As a result, he was forced to watch from the sidelines as Eddie Howe’s men were beaten 2-0 by the Red Devils on a day of heartache for the thousands of Newcatle fans in the famous old stadium.
Of course Gordon was suspended in March as the class of 2025 triumped over Liverpool to claim their first domestic trophy in 70 years, but would things have been different two years earlier had been able to play?
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
However, an EFL rule change which has come into effect this season would have changed all that – and could benefit Newcastle in the future, and in the January transfer window in particular.
Rule 6.4 notes that a registered player is allowed to play for up to two clubs in the competition as long as they meet any of the following criteria:
Has appeared for this parent club in the competition prior to the closure of the summer transfer window and has subsequently moved to a different club on a loan transfer or permanent transfer prior to the end of that summer transfer window.
Has appeared for his parent club in the competition prior to the closure of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi-final and has subsequently moved to a different club on a loan or permanent transfer prior to the closure of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi-final.
Such a player moves on as an emergency goalkeeper loan at any time during the season.
That would mean Newcastle could sign players in the January transfer window who has already played in the competiion, and they would still be eligble to take part in latter stages for Eddie Howe’s side.
One candidates who stands out would be Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Newcastle are reportedly interested in the England international, who has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils were reluctant to sell in the summer, but could think again in the winter window if he continues to struggle for gametime.
Mainoo featured in Man United’s humiliating penalty shoot-out defeat to Grimsby Town earlier this season, but would still able to play for another side under the new rules.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen would also fall into this category, although it’s doubtful whether Newcastle would pursue another striker deal after landing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, while the Norwegian has now signed a new contract at Molineux.
None of Newcastle’s current players would be cup-tied even under the old rules, with neither Jacob Murphy and Wissa featuring for Aston Villa and Brentford in the Carabao Cup before their moves.
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