Newcastle identify three transfer priorities, 'critical concern' and plan for 2026 - Report

A new report has emerged on Newcastle United's transfer priorities heading into the New Year, with the January window just a few weeks away.

This week, we've already seen new sporting director Ross Wilson talk up the likelihood of us shopping overseas and widening our recruitment network, and The Athletic's Chris Waugh has been discussing just where we plan to strengthen.

It's his information that full-back, midfield and a goalkeeper are the 'priority positions' heading into 2026, with Wilson stepping up recruitment meetings in recent weeks.

Full-back cover is needed to lessen the impact on our team should Tino Livramento or Lewis Hall miss out and another midfielder to bolster Eddie Howe's options is wanted, with Joe Willock deemed the most likely departure in January.

Although one may not arrive next month, restructuring the goalkeeper department is considered a 'critical concern' that's more likely to be addressed over the summer, with Nick Pope's inability to play out a concern and it not yet clear if Aaron Ramsdale will stay beyond his loan spell, despite our option to make the move permanent.

As for other plans heading into 2026, Waugh reveals that Newcastle are expected to bring in 'at least one' young forward, making you wonder if early plans are already in place to allow Will Osula to depart following strong links to Frankfurt and growing talk in Germany of his verbal agreement?

Incomings and outgoings in midfield are anticipated, which may explain recent links to young talents like AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, Monaco's Lamine Camara, Javi Guerra of Valencia and Stuttgart loan star Bilal El Khannouss.

Last but not least, The Athletic state that we're keen to add youth to our centre-back department, which makes sense given Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 33, while trading in wide areas may be one to watch if winger targets become available.

We spent big over the summer, in the end, but with a sizeable chunk received for Alexander Isak and improvements needed to get our 2030 vision on track it looks like 2026 could be a busy year of ins and outs.