Newcastle United are said to be one of a host of Premier League clubs interested in completing the signing of a “world-beater” this summer.
Newcastle depleted in midfield
While much of the focus has been on the future of Alexander Isak and potential replacements for the Swede, the Magpies are badly in need of midfield reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.
Joe Willock is injured and Sean Longstaff has departed for Leeds United, while Lewis Miley is still young and learning on the job. That leaves Eddie Howe with only three genuine senior options in Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, with the addition of Champions League football to come this season.
Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor has been linked with a summer move to St James’ Park, potentially being seen as a younger alternative to Aston Villa’s John McGinn. The former scored five goals in 11 Europa League appearances last season, and at 23 years of age, he would be a long-term acquisition.
Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has also been backed to join the Magpies ahead of the new season, although Tottenham could possibly hijack their move for him.
Bruno Guimaraes
3286
Sandro Tonali
2632
Joelinton
2405
Joe Willock
1077
Sean Longstaff
788
Lewis Miley
304
Newcastle in the mix to sign "world-beater"
Now, Caught Offside claim that Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is being “closely monitored” by Newcastle, with the Magpies one of seven Premier League clubs eyeing up the £100m-rated star. The other teams in question are Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, with the Red Devils seemingly leading the race to sign him currently.
Signing Baleba would be fantastic for Howe, and a welcome boost after such a dispiriting summer, with the youngster a player with incredible potential.
The four-cap Cameroon international excelled for Brighton last season, averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League across 34 appearances, which is more than any Newcastle player managed in the competition in 2024/25.
Baleba has been compared to Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga by scout Jacek Kulig, highlighting his quality, and Danny Welbeck has lauded him as well.
“He can be unstoppable. If he keeps up with that desire and passion, he can go right to the top. He’s got all of the attributes to be a world-beater.”
While the striker situation still needs to be addressed at Newcastle, signing a player of Baleba’s quality and potential would be huge in the middle of the park, not least because it would mean beating many of their rivals to his signature.