Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be a huge one. Major departures and signings are expected ahead of an important 2026/27 season.
The likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali appear to be the frontrunners to leave. Of course, the rumour mill continues to swirl, with Newcastle’s younger recruitment focus shifting the names linked with the club.
So, without further ado, join us at ReadNewcastle as we take another look at what a Newcastle United dream transfer XI could look like this summer.
Newcastle United dream transfer XI
Goalkeeper: Robin Risser
Newcastle need to upgrade the goalkeeper position this summer.
Aaron Ramsdale will leave at the end of his loan spell, while Nick Pope is no longer performing at the required level and is also attracting interest from clubs including Leeds United.
There are several options linked with the club, including long-term target James Trafford, but we’ve gone with Robin Risser here.
The £35m-rated 21-year-old has been in excellent form for a Lens side mounting an unlikely title charge this season. Signing him would solve the position for at least the next decade, or at the very least set the Magpies up for a huge future profit should he continue to develop.
Right-back: Tino Livramento
Despite heavy links with a move away from the club this summer, that interest appears to have cooled in recent weeks — especially from frontrunners Manchester City.
Reports from Chris Waugh suggest Tino could now stay, with his recent injury problems and dip in form seemingly putting off clubs considering a move.
If the Magpies can keep him fit and return him to top form, there is no doubt the England international is a very good full-back.
However, the consensus among many fans is that receiving a sizeable fee for Livramento may be the best course of action.
Centre-back: Malick Thiaw
Despite Thiaw’s downturn in form since the turn of the year, he has arguably been the Magpies’ most important defender this season.
Another centre-back signing may well be on the cards, especially given Thiaw has had to play almost every minute this campaign.
Still, it feels almost certain that the German will once again be a starter under Eddie Howe next season.
Centre-back: Sven Botman
Botman remains an interesting topic among Newcastle supporters.
There is clearly plenty of talent there, but the Dutchman has struggled to rediscover his 2022/23 form following a series of injuries.
Much of the fanbase now seems split on whether he is the right long-term option moving forward. However, given how good he can be at his best, it feels premature to suggest spending heavily on a replacement.
Continuing to strengthen his partnership with Thiaw appears the best course of action at this stage.
Left-back: Lewis Hall
Hall has enjoyed a brilliant season and, alongside Bruno Guimarães, has carried the club for large parts of the campaign.
He has been dropped in favour of Dan Burn in recent weeks, raising some concerns over whether he will want to remain at the club long term.
But Hall is one of the players Newcastle must build around, regardless of Howe’s loyalty to Burn. Having Hall start at left-back next season feels absolutely imperative.
Central midfield: Victor Froholdt
Sandro Tonali is the notable omission from this midfield. Speculation surrounding his future refuses to disappear, and Chris Waugh did little to ease concerns when discussing where the Italian’s future may lie.
One of the names most heavily linked recently is Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt.
The 20-year-old has the energy and athleticism needed to help replace Tonali, while also fitting Newcastle’s new youth-focused recruitment strategy.
Froholdt would reportedly cost around £52m, with Arsenal also interested, but a move for the Dane would certainly be an exciting one for the Magpies.
Central midfield: Bruno Guimarães
It is imperative that Bruno Guimarães remains at Newcastle United. This season has only reinforced that belief.
Granted, the club must begin preparing for life without Bruno given he is now 29 years old, but for now the Brazilian remains the talisman.
Without him, Howe’s side have looked lost at times this season. When he has played, he has largely prevented the club from being dragged into a relegation battle through his influence and quality.
Central midfield: Lewis Miley
Lewis Miley has spent much of this season being shoehorned into right-back before suffering the broken leg that ended his campaign.
Miley is undoubtedly one of the brightest young midfield prospects in the Premier League and must be given the freedom and platform to show that next season.
It may also be time to begin transitioning away from relying on Joelinton’s physicality, with Miley offering far more composure in possession while still possessing strong physical attributes.
Right wing: Anthony Elanga
Elanga has struggled this season — that much is obvious. But you cannot give up on a player after one difficult year when you have spent £55m on him.
With several other areas of the squad in need of strengthening, and players like Harvey Barnes capable of operating on that side, signing another winger feels somewhat counterproductive.
Elanga needs to raise his level — nobody would dispute that — but after a season to settle in, Newcastle now have to trust him to deliver to avoid the move becoming a complete waste of time and money.
Striker: Darwin Núñez
Reports emerged this week suggesting Núñez could become a free agent this summer after agreeing to leave Al-Hilal following a fallout over his role.
Newcastle United have admired the Uruguayan for some time, with his energetic, channel-running style seemingly well suited to Eddie Howe’s system.
Bring him in and rotate him alongside Wissa or Woltemade, while William Osula could also prove a long-term answer to the goalscoring issues the Magpies have faced this season.
Left wing: Marcus Rashford
Anthony Gordon appears increasingly likely to leave the club. Talks have reportedly been held with Barcelona representatives, while Bayern Munich have also made contact.
That means Newcastle may need to sign a replacement. With Barcelona interested in Gordon, they are unlikely to make Marcus Rashford’s loan spell permanent.
Manchester United are reportedly keen to move the England international on, meaning he could be available for a relatively low fee this summer.
The winger appears to be a strong stylistic fit to replace Gordon, with his pace, directness and pressing ability all hallmarks of an Eddie Howe player. GiveMeSport have carried reports of Magpies interest.
