If Newcastle did sell Alexander Isak for £120m, these five players could transform Eddie Howe’s side

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are facing a race against time to improve the squad after suffering a series of setbacks in the summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe has seen a host of names, including Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, turn down the opportunity to move to St James’ Park in favour of Chelsea.

Now, Hugo Ekitike is finalising a move to Liverpool after the Frenchman relayed his preference on a move to Anfield following the Premier League champions’ short-winded pursuit of Alexander Isak.

With the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules continuing to limit the Magpies’ spending, here are five players Howe could target to transform his side through Isak’s reported £120m sale.

James Trafford

The Burnley goalkeeper is a long-standing transfer target at St James’ Park and at one point had looked a certainty to make the switch in the early weeks of the summer.

However, Newcastle are hesitating to match the £40 million valuation, and TBR Football understands that James Trafford is open to a return to Manchester City.

Trafford would join an ever-growing list of players to opt against a move to the North East in favour of Premier League rivals should Pep Guardiola get his man and would see the Magpies trail further behind in the transfer market.

Although not the flashiest of signings, a top-quality goalkeeper can be the difference between fighting for Champions League qualification and fighting for silverware – if Howe thinks Trafford is the man to elevate his side, he should be one of the first names through the door.

Denzel Dumfries

A Champions League finalist with Inter Milan, Denzel Dumfries is a surprise candidate to arrive in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old has a release clause in his contract, which expires at the end of the month, believed to be in the region of £21 million. He would be a significant upgrade on the available options at Howe’s disposal.

According to Sebastien Vidal, Newcastle will rival Aston Villa for the Dutchman’s signature and will undoubtedly have the edge over their rivals as they can offer the full-back Champions League football.

With Tino Livramento already nailing down his spot for the Magpies, Dumfries would complement the young Englishman expertly and provide another attacking threat on the flanks.

Giorgio Scalvini

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively reported Giorgio Scalvini is on the radar at St James’ Park, with Howe eager to bolster his defensive options.

The 21-year-old has developed into one of the brightest prospects at Atalanta and featured prominently during their 2023/24 Europa League-winning campaign.

Nevertheless, young talent comes at a premium in the modern market and Newcastle stand little chance of convincing the Serie A outfit to part ways with Scalvini unless they can table a lucrative offer.

Following the widely reported transfer failings this summer, it’s clear that, as things stand, the Magpies are unable to meet the funds required for such a signing; however, the sale of a certain Swede could drastically change their circumstances.

Xavi Simons

Another player who would warrant a significant price tag but also elevate the level of the squad is RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.

The Dutch international’s career has stalled somewhat since arriving in the Bundesliga, but he is widely expected to take the next step in his career during the summer transfer window.

According to Caught Offside, the Magpies are monitoring the situation as Premier League rivals Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal prepare to enter negotiations; however, the latter are believed to be prioritising alternative options.

Simons would bring the creative spark missing from the current midfield crop and would undoubtedly represent a massive coup for a side aiming to qualify regularly for Europe’s elite competition.

Benjamin Sesko

Finally, and perhaps the one who would excite the Newcastle faithful the most, would be to replace Isak with one of the most exciting young forward prospects in Europe.

TBR Football exclusively revealed Benjamin Sesko is now the Magpies’ number one target following the failed move for Ekitike. Still, only a fee in the region of £78 million would be enough to bring Leipzig to the table.

The eye-watering fee is what the Bundesliga side asked of Arsenal before they pivoted towards Viktor Gyokeres, and only a significant sale would give PIF the wiggle room to facilitate a move for Sesko.

Nevertheless, if Newcastle bring in five game-changing faces through the door at St James’ Park following the potential sale of Isak, the reported not-for-sale stance needs to be revisited.