Newcastle United’s recruitment plans for January and next summer are beginning to take shape, with multiple areas of the squad identified as weak or not deep enough to potentially grant reinforcements.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, the club views full-back, midfield, and goalkeeper as the main positions to strengthen, although they continue to assess options “across the pitch” as part of their long-term evolution.
In the short term, January is expected to focus on bringing some defensive cover to the team on the flanks and additional strength in midfield, if possible.
Newcastle’s stance remains that any mid-season arrival will only occur if a long-term target becomes available at a workable price.
Waugh noted this mirrors past business, saying reinforcements would arrive only if “future business is being expedited,” referencing Anthony Gordon’s early acquisition in January 2023.
Looking ahead to the summer, reshaping the goalkeeper rotation was described as “a critical concern” in Waugh’s report.
Aaron Ramsdale is on a season-long loan from Southampton with an option to buy, but Newcastle are evaluating whether to seek stronger long-term competition for Nick Pope. The club are also considering a goalkeeper “more comfortable distributing with his feet” as part of their stylistic development.
Further changes are expected throughout the squad, but it’s not that Newcastle is on the verge of completing any imminent transfer. Waugh reported that “at least one young forward will arrive” during 2026, while midfield will see both arrivals and departures.
The club also plan to target “a youthful centre-back or two,” and even a winger replacement “is not out of the question” as they look to refresh several positions.
