Newcastle United’s summer recruitment plans continue to centre on adding depth and flexibility to a squad that fell way short of expectations and is expected to lose many of their XI members throughout the summer.
That, as well as the constant failing at landing their preferred targets, brought The Mirror’s Jake Bayliss report that Newcastle could move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who is a free agent following the 2025-26 season.
“Newcastle could swiftly resolve their right-back headache
by moving for Celta Vigo ace Oscar Mingueza in the transfer window,” Bayliss wrote.
Right-back has become a key area for Newcastle, mostly because of Tino Livramento’s possible departure and, even if he stays, his current role as the lone true player at the position following Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth’s exits.
Livramento is also recovering from a calf injury that forced him to withdraw from England’s World Cup squad, increasing the need for cover before pre-season starts in a few weeks.
Bayliss noted a prior report by Spanish outlet AS, which claimed on June 15 that Newcastle and Arsenal were both in the race for Mingueza. The 27-year-old came through Barcelona’s academy and made 66 senior appearances for the club before joining Celta Vigo. He made 47 appearances for Celta last season, scoring once and adding six assists.
Mingueza’s versatility could appeal to Howe, but he certainly wouldn’t fit the classic Premier League-proven brand of player the gaffer always tends to favor. Bayliss noted that Mingueza has played mostly at right-back, but has also featured on the left side and at centre-back, which aligns more with Howe’s preference of landing versatile players.
A free transfer for Mingueza would fit Newcastle’s need for a cost-conscious defensive addition, but no formal contract offer has been reported for now.
