Newcastle United ‘contact’ Barcelona over £22m defender deal as La Liga winner offered as Guehi alternative
Newcastle United are actively exploring defensive reinforcements ahead of the transfer window’s close, with recent reports suggesting they are eyeing alternatives to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The Magpies have been linked with several La Liga defenders, as they look to strengthen their backline for the challenges ahead.
According to reports, Newcastle has initiated talks with Barcelona regarding a potential deal for Andreas Christensen, the Danish international. The approach comes as Newcastle await a response from Crystal Palace after submitting a fourth bid for Guehi, who is their top target to bolster Eddie Howe’s defense. Guehi, an England international and a product of Chelsea’s academy, is seen as a key addition to the squad. However, the ongoing negotiations have prompted the club to consider other options, should their pursuit of Guehi prove unsuccessful.
In a pre-match press conference before Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Southampton, Howe addressed the club’s transfer efforts. He emphasized the importance of making strategic signings that will truly enhance the team’s performance, rather than merely adding depth. “We’re hopeful. We’re working hard and there’s no lack of effort from our side,” Howe remarked. He further explained the challenges of finding players who can make a significant impact, highlighting the need to avoid signings that might not contribute to the team’s progress in the long run. Howe’s comments underscore the club’s commitment to thoughtful, impactful recruitment as they seek to strengthen their squad.
Beyond Guehi, Newcastle has been linked with several other defensive targets in recent weeks. This includes Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno and AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori, all of whom have been mentioned as potential additions to Howe’s squad since the end of last season. Andreas Christensen, who has been frequently mentioned as a possible target for Newcastle over the past year, is another player under consideration. The former Chelsea defender joined Barcelona on a free transfer in 2022 and enjoyed a successful first season, winning La Liga. However, his second season has seen him struggle for regular playing time, prompting speculation that Barcelona may be open to his departure as they grapple with financial difficulties.
Barcelona’s financial woes have forced them to consider selling several players, with some reports indicating they are unable to register all members of their squad for the upcoming season. This situation has opened the door for Newcastle, who are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Christensen. The CaughtOffside report suggests that Barcelona is willing to negotiate, with a potential fee for the Danish defender starting at around £22 million. This development could present a significant opportunity for Newcastle to secure a quality addition to their defense at a relatively reasonable price.
In addition to Christensen, former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso has also been linked with a move to Tyneside. The 29-year-old, who left Atletico earlier this summer after a five-year stint, has been proposed to Newcastle by intermediaries. However, the club’s interest in Hermoso is described as “timid” at this stage. Hermoso, a La Liga winner, is currently a free agent and has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as several Serie A sides.
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, Newcastle’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements remains a key storyline. Whether they succeed in landing their top target, Marc Guehi, or pivot to alternatives like Christensen or Hermoso, the Magpies are clearly intent on bolstering their squad as they prepare for a demanding season ahead.
