The summer transfer window is set to be an interesting one with several big names on the move
Newcastle United may have got one over on Liverpool at Wembley last weekend, but Arne Slot’s side are hoping to strike two big transfer blows this summer.
The Magpies are expected to be busy in the forthcoming window, with money available to Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell to invest in the squad. Following their Carabao Cup final victory, which ended 56 years without a major trophy, qualification for the Champions League is the next goal on the club’s agenda.
That could release even more funds for the transfer kitty, with eight games guaranteed in Europe’s top table should Newcastle finish in the top five of the Premier League. The club’s hierarchy are drawing up a shortlist of key positions to strengthen in the summer, with the emphasis on quality over quantity.
However, two of the players who have been on United’s radar for some time could be set for a move to Liverpool, according to reports this week. Newcastle spent much of the 2024 summer window trying to strike a deal with Crystal Palace for England defender Marc Guehi, but the two parties were unable to agree on a suitable fee.
The meant the 24-year-old stayed at Selhurst Park this season, but with his contract due to expire in 2026, the Eagles are set to cash in on the star this summer, rather than lose him for nothing in 12 months. Newcastle are expected to be among the sides in the battle for his signature, but reports suggest Liverpool head the queue, with Guehi open to a move to Anfield.
Arne Slot’s side are looking for a new partner for Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Reds’ defence, and have identified Guehi as the ideal candidate. Newcastle are also looking for a long-term partner for Sven Botman, but with Liverpool closing in on the Premier League, they appear to have the advantage.
The same can be said of Premier League hot property Bryan Mbeumo, with Brentford facing a fight to keep the 25-year-old at the club next season. Bees boss Thomas Frank laughed off talk of a January move, with United one of the clubs keen on signing the Cameroon winger.
Mbeumo has continued to impress this season, scoring 15 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, while also contributing five assists, stats which have alerted several sides. He is one of several right-side forwards said to be on United’s summer wishlist as they look to add competition for Jacob Murphy, but Liverpool are again said to be keen, according to Sportsboom.
Speculation is still rife over Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield, but with Darwin Nunez potentially leaving, and Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz short on goals, Liverpool are expected to look to add more attacking firepower to their squad.
Both Guehi and Mbeumo won’t come cheap, with bids of around £60m needed to land the services of both players. While Newcastle do have funds to spend without sparking any PSR fears, they will need to cut their cloth accordingly.
