Newcastle transfer news: Toon plan to sign a defender this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are going to be in the market for a new centre midfielder during the summer transfer window, but that isn’t the only position that they plan on strengthening.

According to the Northern Echo, the Toon recruitment team are expected to add another defender to Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the 2023/24 season.

It will likely be a centre-back, as the Northern Echo have stated that a defender’s arrival will open the door for Jamaal Lascelles to leave the club. They report that the Magpies are now willing to sell the 29-year-old.

The skipper has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park, and is probably fourth choice centre-back now. Dan Burn is the first reserve, but is currently being asked to play at left-back.

But with standards rising and age not on his side, it looks like Lascelles will be moved on this summer. That will allow someone younger to come in and take his place, and it will likely be someone who the club think can be a long-term starter on Tyneside.

New defender to arrive at Newcastle during summer transfer window

Any defender who joins Newcastle will know that they are joining a special group of players. Eddie Howe’s current defence are the best in the Premier League right now, and are a big reason why the club are challenging for a place in next season’s Champions League.

A new centre-back will have the unenviable task of trying to oust Fabian Schar or Sven Botman, who have both been immense this season.

But Newcastle will have eyes on a long-term replacement for Schar, who is 31. He is by no means old, but it is wise for the club to find his successor now.

Whoever they bring in will have to understand that they are not going to be a guaranteed starter. Like Harrison Ashby at right-back, there may have to be an understanding that they have been brought in for the future rather than the present.

Talk of Dan Ashworth bringing in a new defender comes just days after the Magpies were linked with Jonathan Tah. 90min have reported that Newcastle are interested in the 27-year-old giant.

He could be a good option, but there will likely be plenty more rumours between now and the end of the season.