One of Newcastle United’s Champions League rivals just got a lot stronger.
The 2025/26 Champions League campaign is set to begin in the coming days, as Eddie Howe’s side mark their return to the competition with a mouthwatering fixture.
It is Newcastle vs Barcelona at St James’ Park on 18th September, as the Magpies get set for their first of eight European encounters.
While this is the biggest, Newcastle have some tough Champions League games coming up. They have been given a challenging draw, as they attempt to advance to the knockout stage of the competition.
Barcelona are not the only Spanish side heading to Tyneside, with Athletic Club also drawn to play against Newcastle United by UEFA’s supercomputer.
Athletic Club re-sign Aymeric Laporte
Newcastle’s fourth Champions League game is a home tie against Athletic Club, who have strengthened their squad despite the Spanish transfer window closing on the same day as the English one.
The Liga side announced on Thursday that Aymeric Laporte has joined them from Al-Nassr, as he completes an emotional return to Bilbao.
Laporte started his professional career with Athletic Club, making more than 200 appearances before a move to Manchester City.
Having won the lot under Pep Guardiola, the centre-back moved to PIF-owned club Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023.
After two years in the Saudi Pro League, Laporte has returned to Europe. Not only that, but he has returned to Athletic. The deal needed special approval from FIFA, who granted an international transfer certificate following an appeal.
Fabrizio Romano has also stated that Laporte could be included in their Champions League squad, which would mean he is available to face Newcastle United on 5th November.
Newcastle United will face a former transfer target
Not only could Newcastle United play against Laporte when they take on Athletic Club, but they could also lock horns with a former transfer target.
Newcastle have wanted to sign Nico Williams in the past, but a deal always passed them by.
He was seen as an alternative to Anthony Gordon in 2023, but the Magpies were able to get a £45million deal over the line for the Scouse winger.
Interest in Williams continued, but the likelihood of a deal decreased. The summer of 2024 saw Newcastle target Williams again, but they knew a deal was impossible. The winger wanted to go to Barcelona, while his stock was higher than ever after Euro 2024.
Despite that Barcelona desire, Williams is still at Athletic Club and is one to watch when they arrive at St James’ Park in early November.
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