Newcastle United are intending to sign a centre-back in the summer of 2025, having failed to do so during the previous two transfer windows.
The summer of 2024 ended with Newcastle United missing out on Marc Guehi. The Magpies committed so much time to their pursuit of Guehi, but were unable to strike a deal with Crystal Palace.
There was no new approach for him in January, as Newcastle attempted to sign Abdukodir Khusanov instead. Paul Mitchell came close, but the 20-year-old defender moved to Manchester City instead.
Newcastle also coveted Juma Bah and Vitor Reis, but missed out to Man City again.
The Toon recruitment team is currently looking into alternatives.
Newcastle United keeping tabs on Dean Huijsen
That could lead them to Bournemouth, with TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle United are keeping an eye on Dean Huijsen’s situation at the Vitality Stadium.
The 19-year-old is enjoying a sensational debut campaign in the Premier League, but has a release clause that could allow him to leave the Cherries after just one year.
“Newcastle will be bringing in a central defender this summer, we are almost certain,” Bailey said.
“We know they have lost Lloyd Kelly to Juventus and Jamal Lascelles could also be leaving when his contract expires.
“They will enter the summer with a healthy budget, but finishing in the Champions League positions will undoubtedly boost that.
“Huijsen was a player the club watched extensively before he joined Bournemouth. They know him well and have been impressed by him since he first arrived at Bournemouth, but they are not alone.
“Bournemouth do not want to sell, but the player has a clause that will be activated for more than £55 million. That’s a lot of money to pay in one go.”
Huijsen would be one of Newcastle United’s most costly acquisitions ever.
If Newcastle are serious about signing him this summer, Paul Mitchell will need to get his cheque book out.
The young centre-back will cost more than £55 million, making him more expensive than Sandro Tonali. The midfield maestro joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for £55 million, becoming the club’s second most expensive acquisition in history.
| Alexander Isak | £63million |
| Sandro Tonali | £55million |
| Anthony Gordon | £45million |
But he would be replaced by Huijsen, who was available for a far lower price last summer.
Newcastle were connected with Huijsen, but Bournemouth ended up signing him. They purchased him from Juventus for an initial fee of £12.6 million, and he has shown to be an excellent steal.
The Magpies lost out on an excellent bargain and may now pay the price if they opt to sign Huijsen this summer.
Regardless of finances, he would be a valuable addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.
