Newcastle United are looking to add more quality young players to their squad.
Most positions require improvement following three transfer windows with very little spending, the Magpies are particularly short in defence and the right side of attack.
In the January transfer window, Newcastle United sold two squad players, Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly, to ensure they aligned with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. Neither player had been impressive this season but were still useful assets to Toon boss Eddie Howe.
In March, Kelly’s Newcastle exit is felt more than anything, Sven Botman is out injured leaving Dan Burn as the sole left-sided centre-back. Jacob Murphy is also Howe’s only right-wing option, although his good performances this season mean that isn’t as much of a problem.
Despite the depth issues in other positions, sporting director Paul Mitchell may still look to improve the midfield, with a player they missed out on in 2024 high on the list of transfer targets.
A new report has now suggested that their chances of signing him have just become much more difficult, with Real Madrid looking to steal a march.
Real Madrid join Adam Wharton race amid Newcastle interest
Young midfielder Adam Wharton looks to have the world at his feet having just returned to Crystal Palace’s squad following almost three months out with injury.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner took his time bringing Wharton back to the starting XI following his return but now looks to be back to his best following Palace’s most recent win against Aston Villa.
Recent reports claimed that Newcastle were interested in Wharton alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid are interested in signing the 21-year-old.
The report states that Juni Calafar, chief scout with the La Liga side, is a big admirer of the midfielder and has sent Madrid staff to keep tabs on his progress.
Wharton signed for Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £22m but is now valued at around £70m following an impressive 12 months which saw him break into the England squad ahead of the 2024 European Championships.
Wharton is expected to be picked in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad which is due later this month.
Newcastle should spend on priority positions
There is no doubt how much signing Wharton would improve Newcastle’s strength in depth, but it’s important that Mitchell improves the positions that are in desperate need of bodies rather than those that already have quality players.
Howe can pick a midfield three of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes which is undoubtedly one of the best midfield threes in the Premier League – it may take time for Wharton to find his way into the starting XI based on Howe’s reluctant to change his sides.
Newcastle desperately need bodies in defence and attack. It makes much more sense to improve there rather than spend £70m on a midfielder who may not play each week.
Newcastle are free to spend in the summer, so the money they spend must be on players who will improve the starting XI. With several players due to leave due to expiring contracts or lack of minutes, the need for more bodies becomes even more apparent.
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