Newcastle United has already started to explore possible January transfer opportunities as Matthias Jaissle continues reshaping a younger squad, with midfield remaining an area the club has monitored following major summer departures.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Newcastle could move for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari if talks over a new contract with the Seagulls fail to progress. The Magpies considered signing the 22-year-old during the summer before ultimately pursuing other
targets.
“I think there will be clubs monitoring his situation at Brighton, like Newcastle who have been interested previously,” O’Rourke said. “If these contract talks that he’s in at the minute don’t lead to anything or lead to an extension, I’m sure there will be clubs keeping tabs on Ayari.”
Ayari’s current Brighton contract runs until 2027, although the club holds an option to extend it by another 12 months. O’Rourke previously reported that Brighton plans to activate that clause, which would keep the Sweden international under contract through 2028 and strengthen its negotiating position.
“There isn’t any panic or anything else over his contract situation and everybody’s relaxed about it, but clubs will be keeping a close eye on his situation,” O’Rourke said.
Newcastle’s interest dates back to before the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with The Daily Mail reporting in June that Ayari was being considered as a possible midfield addition. AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have also previously shown interest, meaning Newcastle would likely face competition if Ayari became available.
For now, Brighton remains keen to keep the midfielder and is under no immediate pressure to sell. Newcastle’s potential move therefore appears dependent on whether longer-term contract negotiations stall despite the planned one-year extension.
Would Ayari be a smart January addition for Jaissle, or should Newcastle focus its resources on landing another right winger or strengthening the defense first? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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