Newcastle United is weighing up a January move in midfield, with reports linking the club to Grêmio’s 17-year-old Brazilian prospect Danilo as Eddie Howe looks to inject youth and creativity into his squad. The interest arrives during a frustrating period in which points have repeatedly slipped away from winning positions, most notably in the recent 2–2 draw with Chelsea after holding a two-goal lead. The situation brings together several strands shaping the season, including the pursuit of Danilo, lingering regret over missing out on Bilal El Khannouss, ongoing mentality issues, and a decisive run of festive fixtures. Its not all doom and glood though as some online pokies Australia payid have the toon at 5/1 to finish in the top 4.
Danilo Emerges as a January Target
Newcastle United is stepping up its interest in Grêmio midfielder Danilo, with Brazilian outlet Portal do Gremista reporting on December 22, 2025, that preparations are being made for a potential move. The 17-year-old has impressed in Grêmio’s youth system and has already represented Spain at Under-19 level despite his Brazilian background. His contract runs until December 2028 and includes a €40 million release clause. Monaco are also monitoring the situation, but Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by Steve Nickson, has identified Danilo as a high-ceiling development signing.
Danilo fits the club’s broader youth strategy, following recent arrivals such as Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia. His technical quality and vision point towards the creative number ten profile that has been missing at times this season, particularly against deep defences. However, with the squad stretched by injuries and facing nine matches in 33 days to close out 2025, questions remain over whether a teenage project is the right priority compared with immediate reinforcements, especially in defensive areas.
Summer Regret Over El Khannouss and the Ramsey Dilemma
The Danilo links have revived memories of the missed opportunity to sign Bilal El Khannouss. The 21-year-old Moroccan, currently on loan at Stuttgart from Leicester City, revealed that both Newcastle and Crystal Palace pursued him in summer 2025 but declined to meet his £30 million release clause. El Khannouss explained that the Premier League was his priority and that discussions with several clubs were advanced, but no one was willing to activate the clause.
Since moving to Germany, El Khannouss has flourished, registering six goals and four assists. In hindsight, his form has intensified scrutiny at Newcastle, who instead spent £42 million on Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. Ramsey has struggled to establish himself, sitting behind Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock in the midfield hierarchy. With just over 450 minutes played and limited starts, his impact has been modest, raising questions about the decision to pay a premium compared with El Khannouss’ release clause. El Khannouss’ attacking threat could have offered a solution to the creative issues that have surfaced against low blocks.
Mentality Problems and Dropped Points
Newcastle’s campaign has been undermined by an inability to protect leads, with 11 points dropped from winning positions, the highest tally in the Premier League. The 2–2 draw with Chelsea highlighted the problem, as a commanding advantage dissolved through soft concessions. Eddie Howe described the situation as strange, pointing out that the side has historically been strong at managing games and seeing out difficult moments, but admitted that the issue is now costing important points.
The pattern has become familiar, with goals conceded shortly after half-time or deep into stoppage time. Howe acknowledged the psychological aspect, noting that fear of conceding can become self-fulfilling. Defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal followed a similar script, with late goals undoing otherwise solid performances. The collapse against Chelsea, involving individual errors and poor set-piece reactions, was labelled unacceptable by the head coach, who emphasised the need to balance attacking intent with better game management.
With dropped points slowing any push towards Europe, Howe has highlighted the importance of the upcoming fixtures. Away trips to Manchester United, Burnley and Wolves are paired with home matches against Leeds United and Crystal Palace, a sequence he believes the team can attack. A strong run of four or five wins could significantly close the gap to the top five.
January Priorities and Squad Depth
Injuries have sharpened the focus on January recruitment. Dan Burn is sidelined for four to six weeks, while Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are not expected back until 2026. Lewis Hall continues to be managed following surgery, and overall depth, particularly at full-back, has become a concern. Midfield numbers are relatively strong, but the lack of a genuine creative option remains evident.
In that context, Danilo’s €40 million release clause appears more suited to a summer move than a mid-season gamble. Immediate impact players, especially in defence and attack, may take precedence. El Khannouss’ situation continues to sting, with his form in Germany contrasting sharply with Ramsey’s limited influence. Uncertainty also surrounds Joe Willock, with a potential move to Crystal Palace for around £21 million raising the prospect of another midfield reshuffle.
A Season at a Crossroads
Newcastle’s habit of surrendering leads has become a defining issue, rooted as much in mentality as in tactics. Howe has spoken openly about cycles of doubt creeping into performances, even as isolated wins offer encouragement. The festive run of fixtures presents an opportunity to regain momentum, but injuries and squad balance make January decisions critical.
Interest in Danilo reflects a long-term vision, yet the immediate needs of the squad point elsewhere. Full-back cover and attacking depth appear more urgent as the club looks to stabilise results. As Howe has stressed, the key lies in finding better ways to manage games when ahead. With the talent available, overcoming this psychological barrier could transform the outlook heading into 2026.
