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This season, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League while also winning the Carabao Cup, making it their most successful in recent years. So, how can they keep this momentum?
Looking to bolster their attack, Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford seemed an obvious target, but with interest from Manchester Utd and now Tottenham Hotspur, who should Newcastle target?
And which other positions should they look to improve in the transfer market?
JJ Bull offers his suggestions… 🧠
Welcome to Sensible Transfers.
Read latest edition of The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet here:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6413081/2025/06/10/arsenal-transfer-latest-news-manchester-united-liverpool-chelsea-barcelona-real-madrid/
#premierleague #newcastle #footballtransfers
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:14 What do Newcastle Utd need to improve?
1:19 Pick one – Right-winger
4:48 Pick two – Centre-forward
7:40 Pick three – Centre-back
10:33 Pick four – Central Midfielder
11:49 Our Sensible Transfer picks
#footballshorts #soccer #premierleague
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Additional footage sourced from AP Newsroom

31 Comments
Have to say this is one of the few breakdowns of Newcastle's possible targets I've seen that doesn't have a choice I particularly dislike. Always preferred Semenyo anyway but liking the Kolo Muane suggestion, I would be happier with Diomande too – but then I think that Europe is where the Toon should be concentrating rather than here where clubs will try to boost the asking price, Javi Guerra was a surprise but not an unpleasant one. If we were to get these players I have to say I'd be pretty happy.
Great content and knowledge. 5 star
Do one for Brighton please!
Gooooo back to the old old format!!
JJ is one of the few football media lads who understand Newcastle like.
I reckon if we get a GK, CB and RW we could compete for the league. However we don’t have the squad depth like other teams but another cup run and Europe will do nicely.
Murphy was the second highest assister in the Premier League. Backup for him would do, we need money elsewhere, I would however like to see Fati in a black and white shirt on the right wing. We need Callum Wilson replaced Pedro would be ideal but at what cost? DCR Gomez(Liverpool), GK.
Didnt they signed a Winger Cordero?
Takefusa Kubo is highly slept on
Clubs should be all over him atp
As A Man Utd fan, I will ALWAYS appreciated the 1995 / 96 Newcastle home Jersey .
As an NUFC fan, Kolo Muani would be class but would be shocked if we spent that much on a back up
But what about home grown player rules for Europe? Longstaff is the only player they have
Good video, JJ! Kolo Muani seems a bit expensive for a back-up striker. I’d also be looking for a new starting GK.
Great video with some smart analysis.
I feel that the only thing Newcastle need to improve on first team wise is the goalkeeper. As good as Pope & Dubravka have been at times, they need someone who commands & dominates between the sticks (like a Donnarumma, Courtois, etc.). If it were me, any other signings would be young hungry players (ideally in those positions mentioned) that can offer Eddie Howe greater options from the bench.
Semenyo would be great but would cost 70+ million. Hardly sensible
In what world do Newcastle spend 60 mil on a backup striker ?
Harvey Elliot would be a good choice for left wing, he's left footed, still young and can improve and is also a good runner. Would hurt me as a Liverpool fan but he needs game time so
The got to the top, by having Middle East money. simple as that!
When is this guy gonna get fired. He's so annoying
Iraola is getting POACHED man needs to get out of Bournemouth ASAP. Should have went for the Spurs job ngl.
In two years Bournemouth is about to lose Solanke, Huijsen, Kelly, Kepa, Kerkez, and Semenyo.
Yay Sensile Transfers suggesting more players who just signed brand new contracts a year ago like Soule.
Didn't realize Newcastle play a back 3… oh wait they don't
Newcastle does not need a CM. Their starting 3 is better than like 16 or 17 PL sides and have Willock, Longstaff, and Miley all off the bench. Why would they sell all THREE of their bench options lol.
really sensible!!
I’d love Semenyo! Absolutely right that he tears us apart over the last couple seasons
I feel as though it would be a misstep to sign a similar profile player to Isak as it is suggesting one or the other (and I doubt either would be happy playing second fiddle) plus it doesn’t give us a plan B. Instead, I’d love to see us sign a player who could play centrally but also give competition to Murphy wide right. Liam Delap and Jonathan David would have ticked this box at very reasonable prices too but unfortunately missed the boat on those. Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move away from Atletico but that would just be a dream signing right now.
If we don’t buy a striker that can also double up on the right then Semenyo makes perfect sense. I still think I’d prefer Elanga though!
From a PSR perspective, I think we can afford to hold off on a centre back for another transfer window or two. Yes, Schar isn’t getting any younger but he’s still solid and would be eager to play regularly in a World Cup year. Likewise, Dan Burn has forced himself into England contention so he will be looking to impress this season. Hopefully get Botman back to his best and Lascelles offering back up too. If the right defender becomes available at the right price then great, but I wouldn’t feel like it’s a problem if we don’t sign a CB.
Centre mid also feels unnecessary. Longstaff should only be moved on if he is desperate to start play every week. Yes, his game is limited but his work rate is phenomenal and he is the closest thing we have to Joelinton when he’s out injured (or suspended!). Miley should be given more minutes next season. The only need for an additional midfielder is if we decide to upgrade or cash in on Willock. But then it would be a case of a squad player rather than someone to start regularly.
If media speculation is to be believed then it sounds as though goalkeeper is a bigger priority than centre mid too. I was skeptical when Benitez did the same (initially signing Mats Sels and then Dubravka when any Newcastle fan at the time would have told you we didn’t need them when we already had Tim Krul). If he thinks there is an upgrade on Pope and/or Dubs available then why not. I think both have been great custodians for the club but Trafford looks like a great long term investment.
Obviously it’s all subjective and there’s a lot of logic in your picks but this is how mine would differ.
Do you guys only do for English teams because I'm still waiting for Barca's
Another good video JJ. Love your work
Arsenal next?
I'm sorry, but how on earth is a centre-forward more of a need for Newcastle than a left fullback? You would spend 50 million quid (or more) for a guy that, when it's time for a big Champions League or Premier League game, will sit on the bench! Newcastle's left-back situation is a bit more dire. I like Hall. He has a lot of potential, but he will be 21 years old throughout the 25/26 season. I don't think Newcastle has to spend a lot of money on an LB, but maybe you can make an offer between 25 and 35 million pounds for a guy like Carlos Augusto (Inter) or Mittelstädt (Stuttgart). Both are defensive-minded and more experienced than Hall, so perhaps one of them could start for NUFC against a more dangerous, attacking team like Liverpool.