Newcastle United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League. The Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League after a memorable campaign that included lifting the Carabao Cup by defeating Liverpool at Wembley, their first major trophy in 70 years.
That success, coupled with the need to compete on multiple fronts next season, has prompted a shift in transfer strategy. While Financial Fair Play constraints have kept Newcastle’s spending modest in recent years, the club now recognizes the urgency of reinforcing Eddie Howe’s squad.
Top of the priority list is securing the long-term future of two key players: Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes. Isak, whose goals were crucial to the club’s campaign, is valued at around £150 million and remains a target for several top European sides. Guimaraes, meanwhile, has caught the attention of Manchester City and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle’s recruitment focus has moved toward players who can offer immediate impact. Talks are advancing for Brighton forward Joao Pedro, and the club may also double up with a move for central defender Jan Paul van Hecke, another Brighton talent drawing interest from Liverpool and other Premier League sides.
Bookmakers have Newcastle at 12/1 to sign Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, though Bayer Leverkusen are the odds-on favourites to land the defender. A more realistic target could be Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, with odds at 3/1 suggesting the Magpies are in a strong position to secure the Ghanaian midfielder.
Although they were previously linked with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, that trail appears to have gone cold, allowing focus to shift toward other targets. Strength in depth will be key as Eddie Howe prepares for a more grueling fixture list that includes European football.
Last season, Howe managed well with a thinner squad due to the absence of continental commitments. However, with increased demands on player fitness, at least three or four new signings will be needed to remain competitive across all competitions.
While Newcastle continue shaping their summer business, sports betting interest is also turning to other arenas. At Royal Ascot, Trawlerman is seen as a strong Gold Cup contender. After a runner-up finish in last year’s race, he returns with momentum following a win at Sandown and sits at 5/2 with major bookmakers.
In the Norfolk Stakes, Charles Darwin leads the betting, though Richard Hannon’s First Legion could surprise at 14/1. Meanwhile, Exclamation is a tempting 100/1 outsider in the each-way markets after decent showings at Chester and Newmarket.
Elsewhere, Brian Harman is tipped to outperform Scottie Scheffler in the Travelers Championship. Harman, a consistent performer at the tournament since 2018, offers each-way value at 50/1 as he looks to build on past success at River Highland.
As Newcastle chase ambitious targets in football’s transfer market, fans can also keep an eye on value bets across racing and golf – a sporting summer filled with potential on and off the pitch.