Newcastle United’s scouting team is actively building its shortlist ahead of a(nother) pivotal summer window, with the full-back positions under great review because of the lack of depth at both of them, and looking into the future.
Responding to a fan question about emerging names, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope pointed to two players currently being tracked by Newcastle.
“I reported last week that Union Saint-Gilloise right winger Anan Khalaili was admired and being watched closely,” Hope said.
The 21-year-old
Israel international has drawn attention following Union’s domestic success and Champions League exposure. Khalaili joined the Belgian side in 2024 after a breakout spell with Maccabi Haifa and has featured regularly over the past two seasons, including scoring three goals in Union’s debut Champions League campaign this term.
The problem on the Khalaili front is that precisely because of that continental exposure, interest in the Union player is not limited to Newcastle. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Benfica are also monitoring the winger, who has played 38 matches this season, scoring five times.
Hope also highlighted a defensive option in Wolves and Spain U21 international Hugo Bueno, who was already linked to NUFC in February.
“From right wing to left back, another player I know they have been impressed with is Hugo Bueno of Wolves,” Hope said.
Bueno, 23, has featured 29 times this season and recently scored a curling effort against Arsenal. With Wolves facing likely relegation, his availability could increase.
“If Wolves are relegated, as is extremely likely, Bueno would probably feature highly on the list of options to strengthen a position in need of depth beyond the brilliant Lewis Hall,” Hope said.
Both players fit the profile Newcastle have targeted in recent windows: young, athletic, with room for development and, in the case of Bueno, with Premier League experience, as is Howe’s preference.
All of the above said, no formal bids have been reported for now, with the summer transfer window still a few months away.
