Eddie Howe Confirms Summer Transfer Targets as Newcastle Aims for Top-Four Finish
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has officially outlined his summer transfer targets, reaffirming the club’s ambitions to secure a top-four finish in the 2025 Premier League season. Speaking at a press conference held at St. James’ Park, Howe stressed that the Magpies are ready to be aggressive in the transfer market, targeting elite-level talent to reinforce key positions and propel the team into Champions League contention.
After a mixed 2024 campaign that saw Newcastle finish just outside the European spots, Howe made it clear that this summer marks a pivotal moment in the club’s trajectory. “We have identified specific areas that need strengthening,” he said. “To compete with the top clubs, we need depth, quality, and players who can handle the intensity of Premier League and European football.”
Top of the club’s wishlist are a new central midfielder, a commanding centre-back, and a versatile forward capable of operating across the front line. Newcastle’s scouting department, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth, has been actively monitoring players across Europe, with several high-profile names already linked to the club.
One of the standout targets is Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana of Everton. With his physicality, defensive awareness, and ability to progress the ball, Onana is seen as the ideal partner for Bruno Guimarães in the heart of midfield. Newcastle are also reportedly interested in Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman to provide depth in the full-back position, and talks have been initiated with agents of Bundesliga winger Karim Adeyemi, whose blistering pace and creativity would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s attack.
Eddie Howe emphasized that any incoming players must not only possess technical ability but also align with the club’s culture. “Character is just as important as talent,” he stated. “We want players who are hungry, driven, and committed to the long-term project we’re building here.”
The club’s ambitions have been further bolstered by financial backing from its Saudi-led ownership group, which is prepared to make significant investments while remaining within the boundaries of Financial Fair Play regulations. Sources close to the club suggest that Newcastle could spend up to £150 million this window, depending on outgoings.
In addition to targeting new signings, Newcastle are also focused on retaining key players. Speculation surrounding the future of Guimarães and Alexander Isak has been rife, but Howe reiterated that the club is not in the business of selling. “Bruno and Alex are integral to our plans,” he said. “We want to build around them, not replace them.”
To free up space and comply with squad regulations, several fringe players may be offloaded. Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick, and Javier Manquillo are among those expected to leave, either on loan or permanent deals. Meanwhile, academy talents like Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy are likely to be integrated further into the senior setup as Howe aims to balance youth with experience.
With pre-season fixtures scheduled to begin in early July, Howe is keen to wrap up key transfers quickly to allow for full integration into the squad’s system. “Time is vital. We want new arrivals in before our U.S. tour so they can hit the ground running,” he noted.
The mood around Tyneside is one of cautious optimism. With an ambitious manager, solid financial support, and a passionate fanbase, Newcastle United appears poised to make a serious push for the top four. Whether they can translate off-field planning into on-field success will depend heavily on the execution of this crucial transfer window.
As Eddie Howe concluded, “This is a big summer for us—maybe the biggest yet. We’re no longer the underdogs. We’re here to compete, and
we’re here to
