Already thinking of the targets of 2026 after a chaotic summer window, Newcastle United and Pif would now have watched a movement to sign a midfielder for Eddie Howe.
Targets from the start of 2026 Newcastle
Now that they have solved their problem as an attacker with the addition of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle is fortunate to focus on other areas on their side in 2026.
The Magpies have already felt the full effect of balancing football in the Champions League and domestic action, after having attracted Bournemouth a few days after the defeat against Barcelona, and Howe has already reiterated that the depth of his team will play a key role throughout the campaign.
“I think we have a strong team and I think the rotations we made in the game were a reflection of this. Two years ago, we arrived at the stadium where we could not rotate anyone.
“We are trying to better sail in the situation this time, but we still want to win matches. We still have to win matches and be competitive. I thought we had played well, although without a real goal.” (Howwe on the depth of the team)
The Newcastle boss also thinks he has a “strong team” at his disposal this time compared to the last time that Newcastle played football in the Champions League. But, on paper, it is clear that the Magpies could still do with the reinforcement when the 2026 arrives.
On this front, adding to its midfielder seems to be one of the many objectives. While Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Jelinton offer an impressive base, there is a drop in quality beyond what Conor Gallagher would solve.
The Magpies had an eye on the Atletico Madrid midfielder before a potential movement. But he is not the only former star of the Premier League on their radar. The reports now suggest that PIF could dive for a player whom he already knows well.
Newcastle looking at Ruben Neves Swoop
According to the Graeme Bailey of the boot room, Newcastle is now planning to move to sign Ruben Neves, who wants to leave Al-Hilal in the middle of an “unfinished” company in the Premier League.
Of course, Pif already knows everything about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, having welcomed her to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Now, almost three years later, they could dive and welcome him to English football. It almost without saying that Newcastle will not, however, be the only side interested.
Bailey said to TBR: “I am told that Neves thinks that there are” unfinished “affairs in England – he had a wonderful moment at Molinine and he is always very respected.
“But it is not given that he returned to England. A return to Portugal would be considered as there is also a strong interest in Spain and Italy – it will not be short of options.”
Nicknamed “incredible” by the former teammate of Wolves Conor Coady, Neves is always an impressive player in an impressive impact in a club in the Champions League as part of his career. For the right price, Newcastle should go against International Portugal.
