Newcastle United are exploring other options in defence after missing out on Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Magpies are not short of bodies in defence – as well as the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, Eddie Howe will soon have Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles at his disposal once they return from injury.
However, the majority of Newcastle’s centre-backs are over 30. There will soon be a need to replace them with younger defenders. In addition to that, Lascelles and Schar are out of contract at the end of the season.
While Eddie Howe is keen to keep Schar at Newcastle next season. Lascelles is set to leave 10 years after being signed by Alan Pardew.
During the January transfer window, it looked like Abdukodir Khusanov could join Newcastle from RC Lens. PSR proved to be too much of a problem and Khusanov joined Manchester City.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell was frustrated after missing out on Khusanov – a player who could have been a valuable first-team player at Newcastle for many years.
Newcastle have since turned their attention onto another centre-back who previously worked with Man City boss Pep Guardiola. But his manager has now gone public with his stance on letting him go.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick on Eric Garcia exit links
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia played a big part in Hansi Flick’s side at the start of the season but has only featured in four of the last seven La Liga fixtures for the Spanish giants.
Newcastle were offered Garcia earlier in January, he was one of around 50 players who the Magpies had been offered during the transfer window.
Now, Flick has confirmed that his player will stay at the club past January despite a possible move away. Following Barcelona’s 7-1 win against Valencia on Sunday, Flick was asked about Garcia, who played the full 90 minutes in the win.
“Garcia is staying,” he said.
“I want him here. He’s an important player. I know he wants to play, today he was very good. He gave us stability and he can play in different positions,”
Garcia has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season, including three in the Champions League.
Newcastle’s alternatives after Garcia blow
The Magpies are in a position where if they spend, they must spend wisely. There are still several other options Mitchell could explore if he were to sign a centre-back before the January window closes.
Newcastle want 18-year-old Juma Bah from Real Valladolid but faces a race against the clock with Manchester City looking the more likely suitor.
Although a more expensive option, Benfica ace Antonio Silva is on Newcastle’s radar – the Magpies had an approach for him knocked back in 2023.
A much cheaper, albeit unlikely alternative could be Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof. Newcastle could pay just £6m for Lindelof after he fell out of favour with Ruben Amorim.
The Swede has only made five Premier League appearances this campaign but was named on the bench for the Red Devils’ win against Fulham on Sunday.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
