Newcastle United are preparing for a major summer spending spree, with manager Eddie Howe set to be backed with a transfer budget of around £150 million as the club looks to strengthen key areas of the squad. Following an injury-ravaged and inconsistent 2024–25 campaign, the Magpies are targeting a right winger, a new striker, and a top-class goalkeeper as priorities ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Having narrowly missed out on European qualification this year, the club’s owners—backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—are determined to re-establish Newcastle among the Premier League’s elite. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints in mind, the club will still aim to be smart in the market, but there is a clear sense of ambition as they gear up for another important summer.
Howe’s targets: pace, goals, and stability
At the top of Eddie Howe’s wish-list is a dynamic right winger to add pace and creativity to the flanks. Miguel Almirón, though a tireless worker and fan favourite, has struggled for consistency, and the club is looking for a more explosive presence in the wide areas.
Several names have already been linked, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, and Wolves star Pedro Neto. All three offer the kind of attacking flair and versatility that Howe values, though injury histories and price tags will be key considerations.
Up front, Newcastle are expected to move for a centre-forward who can both complement and eventually succeed Alexander Isak. Callum Wilson, while still a reliable goalscorer when fit, has been plagued by injuries, and Howe wants to add depth and competition in the No. 9 role.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson are among those being monitored. Both fit Newcastle’s model of investing in young, high-upside players with potential resale value. However, prising them away from their current clubs will likely require a substantial chunk of the £150 million budget.
Goalkeeper search intensifies
Another area of focus is the goalkeeping position. While Nick Pope remains a solid presence when fit, his long-term fitness and distribution skills have raised concerns. Martin Dúbravka and Loris Karius are expected to leave the club, and Howe wants to bring in a goalkeeper capable of competing for the No. 1 spot immediately.
Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale have both been linked. Ramsdale, in particular, could be available this summer after losing his starting place to David Raya. A move for the England international would represent both a statement signing and a return to Howe’s trusted circle, having previously managed Ramsdale at Bournemouth.
Balancing spending with sales
Despite the impressive war chest, Newcastle must still navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which will likely necessitate at least one significant player sale to fully fund the incoming transfers. Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak have both attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, but the club hopes to retain its core stars.
There could, however, be outgoings among the squad’s fringe players. Winger Ryan Fraser is set to leave permanently after spending the season on loan at Southampton, while the futures of players like Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie, and Emil Krafth remain uncertain.
The club may also listen to offers for players like Sean Longstaff or Joe Willock if it helps raise funds and make room for upgrades in midfield, though that would be a tough call given both players’ contributions in recent seasons.
Ownership backing remains firm
The backing from Newcastle’s ownership group remains strong. PIF have reiterated their long-term commitment to transforming the club into a European powerhouse, and the willingness to invest heavily again this summer underlines that intent.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth’s recent departure to Manchester United has left a short-term vacuum in transfer strategy, but chief scout Steve Nickson and Howe are already aligned on targets. A new sporting director is expected to be appointed in the coming weeks, but business is moving forward in the meantime.
A defining summer ahead
For Newcastle United, the 2025 summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in the club’s recent history. After a taste of Champions League football in 2023–24, the club is hungry for more and sees this window as the next step in building a squad capable of sustained success.
If Howe gets his way, with a new right winger, a potent forward, and a modern goalkeeper added to the squad, the Magpies will be in a strong position to challenge for European places—and potentially even more—once again.
