As we draw closer to the January transfer window, it’s looking increasingly likely that we sign a young midfielder to bolster the squad and build for the future.
Plenty of names have been linked in the past few weeks, with AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit the most prominent, and Auxerre talent Kevin Danois also on the radar now Elliot Anderson appears out of reach for now.
But whoever we sign needs to be more than just a fresh face amongst an already-packed part of the squad: the ideal candidate is young with immense potential, who could be either a starter for years to come, or someone we can flip for immense profit in little to no time at all.
And if reports from Brazil offer any indication, we have a top Palmeiras talent well within our sights…
“Concrete offer” set for Allan Elias
According to Brazilian outlet Portal do Palestra, Newcastle are preparing to launch a January bid or rising star Allan Elias.
The Palmeiras midfielder, widely expected to be the next great player to emerge from the club in recent years, has been linked with a move to Tyneside in recent months, and it’s claimed we are now set to make a “concrete offer” for the 21-year-old.
Despite having a €100m release clause in his contract, Palmeiras seem expected to listen to bids in the region of €32m (£28m), with another big sale lined up after Real Madrid and Chelsea’s recent moves for Endrick and Estevao respectively.
Steve Nickson has been developing the club’s scouting portfolio in Brazil in recent years, although he’ll be supported by the recent arrival of Thomas Federspiel, who’s come in from Nottingham Forest as a global talent scout across Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia.
Eddie Howe’s pending midfield problem
Right now, the midfield is still in excellent shape: Bruno Guimaraes is arguably the Premier League player of the season outside of Man City and Arsenal’s squads, Sandro Tonali is top level, and Lewis Miley has shown he is ready to play a first team role when handed the opportunity.
The issue Howe may soon face is what to do with the other midfielders: Joelinton is a big earner and a popular figure both in the squad and amongst fans, but his age and fitness will gradually become more of a concern and a long-term replacement is needed.
Then there’s the duo of Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey: whilst both are still solid options, their chances of becoming first team starters certainly aren’t helped by the possibility of players like Allan Elias or Smit coming in.
Signing either could help future proof this area of our squad, but bringing in either would almost certainly rely on on of our current options to depart in January, with Willock a leading contender given Crystal Palace’s interest.
The problem we have with Joelinton apart from his injuries and age is that he is a loose cannon, especially in competitive matches, I can see him getting sent off in the Sunderland derby because Xhaka will press his buttons and watch him explode.
Joseph(Quote)
I can’t understand buying Ramsey from Villa what were they thinking of? Selling Willock is a must and should have been done instead of Anderson, what another mistake that was!
Peter Beaumont(Quote)
Joe Linton’s problem is he just has look at someone the wrong way and he gets booked. Players rolling around like they have been knocked over by a tank that get up and run around like nothing has happened. Tottenham made several bad challenges on our platers last week and there was card.
The little birdy(Quote)
I think time to cash in on a good few players that do not get regular football at newcastle i do agree we need young players but it seams Eddie still has not learned any thing from the game at brentford dan burns left back burnley there,s rumours we are after central defender from chelsea that,s never played in the premier league for two seasons well can some one explain why eddie howe is chasing him two of the last players eddie got are on the bench Ross Wilson should put his foot down before eddie gets him the sack because the manager would,t no a decent player if he fell on him favorites come to mind lets see how many get new contracts over 32
Keith Richardson(Quote)
Jacob Ramsey “still” a solid option!!! That made me choke on my tea this morning!
He only signed 113 days ago and is still undergoing Eddie’s notorious settling in period!
I know players go from hero to villain in double quick time in these social media dominated days and fans want to sign the next shiny thing but seriously. We’ve written off Joelinton, Willock and new boy Ramsey in one morning!!!
I expect such rubbish from some of our more enthusiastic supporters but to read it on here.
Oh dear oh dear!
Felipe(Quote)
How about a concrete offer for Elliot Anderson ?
Steve Smith(Quote)
At £100m+, I can’t see it!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
We wouldn’t of got 20 m for willock back then let alone 35m !. Why do so many social media nerds say stupid things about our most successful manager in the last 60/70 years as well as slagging of big Joe the hero on many occasions? Sure he’s bound to slow down & we need a long term tough replacement but hey most of the fans that get to matches are full of cheers which is way louder than all these unqualified football geniuses . Nothing wrong with a bit of critique but keep it real & respectful!
Samuel Lubran(Quote)
Well said, it’s just a shame there’s so many dim witted critiques who really don’t know what they’re talking about
Raymond Carr(Quote)
For those who play FC26 and manage the Toon, well Willock is probably one of the first players to sell along with a hand full of keepers and defenders but who do you replace them with?
This year is the best because now I find I’m keeping most of the squad and only strengthening, compared to a few years ago before the Saudis bought us and the whole team needed replacing. That alone does show we are definitely heading in the right direction because now we have top players in every position and the best manager on the planet.
The fact is we are definitely a top five premier League team and pushing to win more than one cup and I love it.
Raymond Carr(Quote)
Isak the rat said he informed Newcastle that he wanted to leave before the end of last season, that has proven to be a bare faced lie because Arne slot made a statement saying that after Isak scored it the cup final he knew he had to have him, obviously Isak was tapped up by Liverpool and he preferred to lie to the public instead of being honest and when you do that it says a lot about your personality. Now he has spent £30.000 on a dog to protect him because he knows we know and some of us haven’t taken that level of deception very well which is very unfortunate for him. Carma is a ***** and it really does bite you on the behind eventually.
Raymond Carr(Quote)
And now salah is trying to get a move out or manager sacked … whilst isak is a waste of scouse money 😂 what comes round goes round
Mike(Quote)