Realistic signings for Newcastle – Arsenal loanee, Leicester star and Feyenoord striker

Newcastle United’s rise under Eddie Howe and the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established the club as a consistent top-ten side, with their sights now set on securing a regular place in European competitions.

However, Financial Fair Play (FFP)—a well-documented issue for Newcastle fans and football followers alike—has created challenges. The club finds itself constrained, unable to freely invest in the squad and forced to adopt a “buy-to-sell” strategy to comply with regulations.

Talents such as Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson have already been sacrificed to balance the books, and this strategy has come at a cost. Limited squad depth has left Howe struggling to cope during injury crises over the last two seasons, and the lack of investment risks stagnating Newcastle’s ambitions to secure European football.

This leads us to a possible reality: Newcastle United must sell to progress and act in the greater good of the club. While losing more first-team talent would hurt, it would provide the recruitment team with the financial flexibility to bring in two key players who could strengthen the squad and improve their chances of securing a European place.

With this in mind, I have identified two areas that need addressing— an attacking midfield and striker—regardless of who might have to make way.

Requirements: 

For the striker role – which will need filling whether Alexander Isak is sold or Callum Wilson departs next summer – I have explored a number of players across Europe who either look ready to make the step up to the Premier League or are currently performing at an elite level in their respective leagues. The focus is on strikers aged between 20 and 25. An age where there may still be growing pains, but the potential upside far outweighs any short-term negatives. The aim is to recruit a promising striker who can grow with the squad while contributing immediately.

In midfield, I have prioritised players who excel in tight spaces, combination play, and can manipulate low blocks to create chances. This can be achieved through operating in half-spaces or central areas. Newcastle’s current midfield already has physical ball carriers who can cover ground, dominate transitions, and impose themselves on opposition midfields. However, they lack a player who wants the ball at their feet and dictates play in advanced areas.

Recruiting an attacking midfielder who is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, capable of unlocking defences, and willing to shoulder some of the creative burden in the final third—a responsibility currently carried by Bruno Guimarães—would improve Newcastle. The team needs to control more games and reduce transitional moments as their primary form of attack.

Striker 

Honourable Mention: Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord)

The Mexican striker, just 23 years old, has already established himself as a prolific goalscorer capable of leading the line. Giménez is a well-rounded forward who excels at holding up the ball, linking with attackers, and likes transitional play. He is a natural finisher with excellent instinctive ball-striking and a strong left foot.

One of his standout qualities is his box movement, which is an area he continues to refine. He is also highly effective in back-to-goal situations, providing a reliable outlet to bring teammates into play. Additionally, his Champions League experience adds credibility to his potential to step up and perform at a higher level.

Last season, Giménez scored 23 goals and provided six assists in just 30 league games, showing his ruthlessness in front of goal.

However, there are some concerns about his scalability. Giménez is not the fastest striker, which could limit his ability to stretch backlines with runs in behind, but his intelligent movement helps to mitigate this weakness. The biggest question mark surrounding him is whether he can replicate or even approach his current level of performance in a more challenging league like the Premier League. Playing in the Eredivisie, which is considered an inferior league compared to Europe’s top five, raises doubts about how well his game would translate against higher-quality opposition.

Santiago Giménez is a project striker with tremendous upside. While there may be hesitancy to rely on a player without experience in a top-five league, his combination of finishing ability and intelligent play makes him a good option for Newcastle United.

First Choice: Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves)

If available, Jørgen Strand Larsen would be the first-choice striker for Newcastle United. The Norwegian forward, currently 24 years old and 6’4, has shown glimpses of his potential in the Premier League despite being part of an underwhelming Wolverhampton Wanderers team this season. Strand Larsen joined Wolves on an initial season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent move from Celta Vigo, and he has impressed with his performances so far.

In just 14 matches, he has contributed six goals and two assists, a solid return considering Wolves’ struggles in the league. Physically dominant, Strand Larsen is a powerful striker who can brush off defenders, and his ability to find pockets of space and play with his back to goal makes him an excellent option for a team looking for a direct attacking outlet. His hold-up play is another key strength, and he has shown that he can bring teammates into play while also being a reliable finisher.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Strand Larsen’s game has been his improved box movement as the season has progressed. He has become more dominant in attacking spaces, which has translated into better positioning and more consistent goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to compete in the Premier League has already been proven, and the question now is how he would perform in a better team with more quality around him.

Strand Larsen’s combination of physicality, link-up play, and finishing makes him a strong candidate to lead Newcastle’s attack, especially if they need a striker who can fit in both possession-based moments and transitional play.

Attacking Midfielder 

Honourable mention: Facuando Buonanotte

At just 19 years old, Facundo Buonanotte has already shown immense promise during his time at Brighton and on loan at Leicester City. Whether Brighton decides to recall him after his loan spell, given their influx of talent this season, remains uncertain. However, if he were to become available, Buonanotte would be an exciting option for Newcastle United.

Buonanotte is still young, and while he may not need to shoulder the creative burden at Newcastle right away, he has the potential to grow into a key player over time. Primarily playing on the right side of midfield, the left-footed Argentine thrives in a free attacking role that allows him to roam the pitch, exploit spaces, and cut inside to become a roaming playmaker. He changes direction quickly and has remarkable balance, which makes him a nightmare for defenders in tight areas.

One of his standout traits is his commitment to high pressing and his ability to win the ball further up the pitch, which would suit Newcastle United.

Buonanotte could slot into Newcastle’s midfield as a right-sided central midfielder or even take on a more advanced creative role when needed. While he is still developing, his flashes of brilliance suggest he could grow into a top midfielder with the right support and coaching.

First choice: Fábio Vieira

Currently on loan from Arsenal to Porto, Fábio Vieira has emerged as a player who could be surplus to requirements at the Emirates, though that situation could change. At 24 years old, the Portuguese U21 international is a left-footed attacking midfielder with a skill set that makes him a perfect candidate for Newcastle United’s midfield.

Vieira likes to be in central positions, though he has a natural tendency to drift into the right inside channel, making him a creative force. His game revolves around creating chances for his teammates, and his standout attribute is his through-ball. Vieira has the gift of finding pockets of space between the lines and is able to turn and exploit gaps.

One of his best traits is his ability to break the last line of the defence with well-timed passes over the opposition centre-backs. When receiving the ball between the lines or just beyond the midfield, Vieira’s quick turns and vision enable him to play passes that release forwards on direct runs in behind. This would be particularly beneficial for players like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who excel at stretching the pitch with their pace and intelligent movement.

Beyond his passing, Vieira also carries the ball forward. He often starts in central areas before drifting wider, using his dribbling ability to commit defenders and create spaces for others.

At Newcastle, Vieira could step into a role where his creative qualities would allow the team to maintain greater control in possession and provide the kind of final-third playmaking that Bruno Guimarães currently shoulders. Vieira would be an excellent addition to a midfield that needs more creativity and composure in attacking phases.

By focusing on these targeted reinforcements, Newcastle United can take the necessary steps to achieve their European ambitions. Smart recruitment, even at the cost of a big sale, could propel the team to new heights and keep it competitive at the highest level for years to come.