Newcastle United will not make anymore signings in 2023, but the club are already making plans for 2024.
The summer transfer window has just closed, but Dan Ashworth and co already have a vision for what the Magpies need when they are able to sign players once again.
It has been reported by i News that Newcastle are looking to land a centre-back and a winger in the near future, having failed to land the former this summer. That may prove to be a mistake.
Another winger would have been a luxury for Newcastle this summer, but they are planning to improve in that position next year – and one player who they have their eye on is Nico Williams.
Newcastle interested in Nico Williams
The Spaniard has been linked with the Magpies in the past. He was a target at the start of 2023, and Eddie Howe nearly brought him in instead of Anthony Gordon.
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Newcastle ended up buying the Scouser, but that does not mean that our interest in Williams is over.
The 21-year-old is still on Newcastle’s radar, and is a player the club are considering heading into 2024. He currently has a release cause worth £43million, while his Athletic Bilbao contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
That means that a move away from Bilbao could be on the horizon very soon, and he showed exactly why Newcastle want to sign him on Tuesday night.
Williams dazzles as Spain smash Cyprus
Williams started on the left wing for Spain during their 6-0 win over Cyprus. He created two goals, setting up Gavi with a cross with his left foot before assisting Mikel Merino with his right.
He was praised by the Spanish media for his performance, with Sport stating that he drove the Cyprus players ‘crazy‘ with his ability on the ball.
The Toon target showed that he can go both ways and is clinical in the final third, which is exactly why Howe wants him at St James’ Park.
He also has blistering pace, which means he could be the perfect player to replace Miguel Almiron. That would allow Newcastle to have Williams on one flank and Gordon on the other, which is a tantalising proposition.
Williams is set to be a man in demand over the next few months, and Newcastle won’t be the only team chasing his signature if he continues to perform like he did against Cyprus on Tuesday night.