Newcastle United are once again eyeing the free transfer market for next year, a strategy they dabbled in last summer with mixed outcomes.
They kicked things off well by signing Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth on a free transfer, reuniting him with manager Eddie Howe. Kelly has made an immediate impact at the club, showcasing his versatility and proving to be a valuable asset.
However, their efforts to bring in Tosin Adarabioyo didn’t go as smoothly. The club was hopeful of landing the defender, which would have secured two top-tier centre-backs without transfer fees. Unfortunately, Tosin chose to join Chelsea instead, forcing Newcastle to rework their financial plans.
The initial goal had been to splash out on a winger, but Tosin’s decision pushed Newcastle to pursue a high-profile deal for Marc Guehi. That, too, failed to come to fruition.
Now, Newcastle’s attention has shifted to Angel Gomes, a 24-year-old whose contract with Lille is nearing its end. His recent impressive debut for England, where he shone in a midfield role during their win over Finland, has caught the eye of several clubs, including Newcastle.
Although Gomes may be available on a free transfer, reports suggest he is looking for a significant wage increase, potentially up to £150,000 a week, which would place him among the highest earners at Newcastle, close to Bruno Guimaraes.
While there’s no doubt about Gomes’ talent, it’s uncertain how he would fit into Newcastle’s already crowded midfield, which includes established players like Bruno, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and emerging talent Lewis Miley. Given the fierce competition for spots and Newcastle’s other pressing transfer needs — including a centre-back, winger, and goalkeeper — the club may be cautious about committing a substantial wage for another midfielder.
According to reports, although Newcastle is in the running for Gomes, they’re considered outsiders in the competition for his signature.
