This summer’s World Cup could cause transfer delays with players waiting until after the tournament to decide their futuresw
Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini wil not be at the World Cup
Newcastle United’s hopes of moving swiftly in the summer transfer window could hinge on which of their targets are heading to Canada, Mexico and the USA for the World Cup.
Players understandably prefer to focus on playing their role for their country, which often means any transfers can be put on hold until their participation is over.
There is an opportunity to strike before the World Cup gets under way in the middle of June, but with post-season international get-togethers in preparation for the tournament, it’s more likely that big-name moves won’t happen until late July.
For financial purposes, that’s not the worse thing for Newcastle, with the PSR accounting period end on June 30, so any deals done after that go into next year’s figures.
But if Ross Wilson and Eddie Howe want to make an early move, they may be better off focusing on those who won’t be at the World Cup. There is some top talent not heading across the Atlantic, of course, with the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Robert Lewandowski and Gianluigi Donnarumma missing out, not to mention United’s own Sandro Tonali.
When it comes to realistic transfer targets, here are four players previously on Newcastle’s radar who will sit out the World Cup – and could be available for an early deal.
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Edmond Tapsoba
Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen
Newcastle have long been linked with the Burkino Faso defender, who looks set to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Now 27, he has attracted plenty of attention in recent months, and is said to be valued at around €60m.
United are aware that Dan Burn and Fabian Schar won’t be around forever, and although Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are seen as the potential future pairng at the back, the lack of options has been badly exposed at times this season.
Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The Nigerian striker is said to be keen on a move to England after reigniting his career with Galatasaray. An acrimonious exit from Napoli saw him make the surprising move to Turkey, but he has continued to score goals for both club and country. At 27, it is thought this summer may be his last chance to seal a big move to the Premier League, and while wages may be an issue, he will be within United’s price range.
Giorgio Scalvini
Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini has been linked with Newcastle
Atalanta defender Scalvini will join United’s Sandro Tonali is watching from afar after Italy lost their play-off to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday night. Still only 22, Newcastle were keen on the centre-back in January, although didn’t follow up interest with a firm offer.
Reports in Italy suggest a bid in the region of £50m would secure a deal for the defender who recovered from a cruciate ligament tear in 2024.
Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle were in the running for the Guinea striker when he hit the headlines with Stuttgart, but Borussia Dortmund eventually signed the frontman for a cut-price €18m. He has excelled for the Bundesliga side but is said to have a €35m release clause in his contract which activates this summer.
Guirassy is now 30, but while he doesn’t fit United’s transfer blueprint, could offer a shorter-term solution to their centre-forward issues.
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