Newcastle United failed to sign a centre-midfielder on transfer deadline day.
It initially looked like Hamza Choudhury would join the Magpies, but that deal collapsed.
Newcastle also tried to sign Boubacar Kamara from Marseille, but the Frenchman turned down a move to the Premier League.
It’s left Steve Bruce with a severely worrying squad that is actually worst than last season’s.
But there is still time for the Magpies to add to their squad, but their options are limited.
Here are five free agent centre-midfielders who Newcastle could sign
Nabil Bentaleb
We never said they were good options…
Bruce could add a familiar face to his squad, with former Magpie Nabil Bentaleb available on a free.
The Algerian was released by Schalke earlier this summer after barely featuring last season.
Bentaleb previously had a loan spell with Newcastle, signed in January 2020. Sadly, he was far from impressive, and a return to St James’ Park would hardly inspire the Toon Army.
Jack Wilshere
The former Arsenal ace was released by Bournemouth this summer.
Jack Wilshere’s career hasn’t gone to plan at all, and he recently spoke about the disappointing past few years in an interview with the Athletic.
If he’s fit, Wilshere can be a great player. But that’s the issue.
However, the 29-year-old might not be available for long, as he is currently training with Serie B side Como.
Clement Grenier
After three years with Rennes, Clement Grenier is a free agent.
The five-time France international has been linked with Newcastle in the past, but probably isn’t on their radar nowadays. Interestingly, he turned the Magpies down back in 2014.
Grenier is classy in possession, but probably doesn’t have the defensive qualities that Bruce craves.
Muhamed Besic
Muhamed Besic never set the world alight at Everton, but perhaps Newcastle could give him a fresh chance in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old was released by the Toffees in June, and his best spell in English football came during his loan spell with Middlesbrough.
Mo Diame
Bentaleb isn’t the only former Newcastle midfielder who is available on a free.
Mo Diame has spent the past two years at Al-Ahli after being released by Newcastle. The Magpies have arguably never replaced him.
The 34-year-old turned into an unsung hero at St James’ Park, with his incredible ability to reclaim possession in the middle of the pitch.