Eddie Howe is not going to panic as Newcastle United search for a new centre-back.
That is one of Newcastle United’s top priorities this summer, with Marc Guehi a target.
One target has already passed the Magpies by. Newcastle United tried to sign Dean Huijsen, but he has gone to Real Madrid. Elsewhere, Newcastle could miss out on Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain.
With targets joining other clubs and the Guehi deal going quiet, there is a sense of unrest amongst Toon fans.
But Newcastle are confident about their transfer plans, while Eddie Howe will not sign players just for the sake of it.
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Newcastle United linked with signing Axel Disasi despite 2024 decision
With that in mind, the latest name to be linked with a move to Tyneside is rather surprising.
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle United are interested in signing Axel Disasi from Chelsea.
The report claims that Al-Ahli, who are owned by PIF, are also interested in the French defender who is set to leave Stamford Bridge after returning from his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Disasi, who cost £39million in 2023, could fill the gap that Newcastle have at centre-back, but he might not necessarily solve Howe’s problem.
Howe was against signing Disasi in 2024, as Toon officials looked for an alternative to Marc Guehi.
The Newcastle United manager did not want to bring Disasi in and it would be a major surprise if that stance had changed 12 months later.
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Axel Disasi had a nightmare against Newcastle United in October
It did not take long for Howe to be justified in his decision.
Newcastle faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park in October, with Disasi named in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI.
It was a tough night for the defender, who made multiple errors as Newcastle knocked the Blues out of the competition. He even played a key role in helping the Magpies advance, scoring an own goal as Newcastle won 2-0.
Throughout the entire season, Newcastle were able to cope despite not signing a centre-back. Dan Burn was arguably their best player, while Fabian Schar remained consistent. In that respect, signing Disasi would have been a waste of resources.
Newcastle’s decision not to panic buy was vindicated and it has put them in a stronger PSR position with regards to this summer.
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