Following the success of Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to spend big once again to sign an impressive midfield star in 2026.
Newcastle's 2026 transfer plans
The Magpies have unfinished business in the transfer market. The majority of their summer window was spent searching for much-needed strikers before Yoane Wissa and Woltemade both arrived to replace the firepower of Alexander Isak. Now, with that problem solved, the Magpies have the chance to think about improvements elsewhere.
Just what that could entail is the big question. The transfer rumours are already coming thick and fast, with ambitious moves for the likes of Julian Brandt and Arda Guler mooted. The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, but given how he’s burst into life under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, there’s no doubt that it would be a difficult one to get over the line.
Whoever arrives should be keen to follow the Woltemade path. The towering striker has scored three goals in six games and has already earned the praise of manager Eddie Howe more than once.
The Newcastle boss told reporters in the build-up to Newcastle’s 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League: “We’re very pleased to have Nick with us. I think he’s started very strongly in what has been a difficult period for him because he’s been thrust straight into action with no training time of note with us.”
Adding further creators around the German should now be among Newcastle’s top priorities when 2026 arrives and that could yet see a big-money midfielder arrive.
Newcastle preparing £60m+ Sancet offer
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now preparing a €70m (£61m) offer to sign Oihan Sancet from Athletic Club in 2026. The midfielder reportedly has a release clause of €80m (£70m) in his current deal and the Magpies plan to get close to that with their first offer.
Those at St James’ Park reportedly see Sancet as the perfect player to partner Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of Howe’s midfield, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll match his release clause to skip any negotiations with Bilbao in 2026. Looking at the numbers, it’s clear to see the talent that they would be signing.
Minutes
1,620
2,393
Goals
15
4
Key Passes
21
23
Ball Recoveries
77
149
Whilst Sancet isn’t as combative as Joelinton, he would offer Newcastle a fresh goalscoring outlet from midfield. It’s the one trait that the Magpies occasionally lack in the middle of the park, but something that the Bilbao star would provide after netting 15 goals in La Liga last season.
Dubbed “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Newcastle should do everything to sign Sancet if the opportunity arrives in 2026. The Spaniard would take Howe’s midfield to yet another level.
