Newcastle United have been offered the chance to complete a transfer for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, according to a report by Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.
Jones reported that Newcastle are among the clubs informed of Mingueza’s availability as his contract nears its end next summer, with Celta looking for a lower-money fee now instead of losing him for nothing in July.
“Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza,” Jones wrote. “The 26-year-old can
play at centre-back and full-back and is out of contract in the summer. His club are pushing for an £8m fee this window and he has also been proposed to Aston Villa and West Ham.”
On Friday, Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo already reported Celta’s plans to sell now, and the Spanish club’s memo was sent to Olympique de Marseille, Aston Villa, West Ham, Newcastle, Atalanta, Milan, and Como as part of their plan to foster a deal.
Mingueza joined Celta from Barcelona on a free transfer in July 2022 and has since rebuilt his reputation in La Liga. He has made more than 100 appearances for the Galician club, contributing seven goals and 12 assists, while operating across the back line.
The defender comes as a versatile one, as he can be used at both full-back roles as well as in the middle of the line.
From Newcastle’s perspective, Mingueza’s profile fits with their broader market approach and strategy under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies, on top of everything, are light in defensive depth due to injuries and have some uncertainty around longer-term plans on the flanks of the defensive line, with Kieran Trippier now in his mid-30s and his future beyond next season unclear.
A short-term deal for a player entering the final months of his contract, like Mingueza is, at a relatively modest fee, would also align with Newcastle’s stated desire to be opportunistic rather than commit to major spending.
