Newcastle United are targeting new signings and could move for a free agent to address a key area in Eddie Howe’s squad
Newcastle United have been linked with a free agent this summer(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Newcastle could swiftly resolve their right-back headache by moving for Celta Vigo ace Oscar Mingueza in the transfer window. The defender is poised to become a free agent and would tackle a pressing concern in Eddie Howe’s squad.
It promises to be another crucial summer at St James’ Park as the manager looks to bolster his ranks. Newcastle have already offloaded Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and will be keen to use their transfer budget shrewdly as the club look to climb back into the Champions League places.
An early agreement has been reached for highly-regarded goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. However, securing a new right-back should sit at the top of Newcastle’s wishlist.
Tino Livramento is currently the club’s sole recognised right-back, with both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth approaching the end of their respective deals. While Lewis Miley and academy prospect Leo Shahar could fill in for Livramento, who is nursing an injury, Howe will likely want another experienced full-back at his disposal.
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Having missed out on European football last season, the club will need to be smart in the transfer market and Mingueza ticks all the right boxes. The versatile defender is set to join a new club as his Celta Vigo contract winds down, handing Newcastle the perfect opportunity to pursue what could prove to be an ideal signing.
OPINION
Spanish publication AS has previously claimed that Newcastle are vying with Arsenal for Mingueza’s signature. It is easy to see why the Barcelona academy graduate is reportedly attracting attention.
He racked up 66 appearances for the Catalan giants before departing for Celta four years ago, where he has regularly caught the eye. Mingueza was left out of Spain’s World Cup squad, enabling the full-back to concentrate on securing his next transfer.
Sharing his views on the summer window near the end of the season, Howe said: “We need to be ready to twist and turn, depending on what happens. We certainly want a smoother one than last summer.
“We will need a stronger, tighter squad that’s ready to fight next season for the football club. As long as I have that, I’m happy.”
Mingueza made 47 appearances for Celta Vigo last season, scoring once and registering six assists(Image: Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Howe wants to strengthen his Newcastle squad through shrewd recruitment. Targeting an adaptable free agent who can operate across the defence and as a wingback meets that criteria.
Though primarily a right-back, Mingueza has featured on Celta’s left flank in 32 of his 147 outings, according to Transfermarkt, while also making 12 appearances at centre-back. Given that Lewis Hall is battling with Dan Burn to be Newcastle’s left-back, Mingueza could prove a worthwhile acquisition across several positions.
When quizzed on his non-negotiables in the transfer market, Howe said last month: “If I look back at the most successful signings we’ve had here, every player has been desperate to come and put that black and white shirt on. So I think take apart all the other things. That is number one for me.”
Whether that rings true for Mingueza as he considers his next move remains to be seen. However, securing a deal for the Spaniard would go a long way towards resolving the right-back issue that Newcastle must address this summer.
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