Newcastle United ‘reach agreement’ as surprise transfer target emerges
Newcastle United’s Transfer Urgency Grows as Benjamin Šeško Set to Slip Away – Defensive and Midfield Moves Intensify
Newcastle United are quickly running out of time to make meaningful progress in the transfer market this summer, with the club now on the brink of losing out on another key target. Despite their early interest in Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško, the RB Leipzig striker now appears to be closing in on a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Magpies had earmarked Šeško as a potential long-term replacement for Alexander Isak, who has reportedly made his intentions clear about a possible departure from St. James’ Park. However, with Manchester United now believed to be leading the race and in advanced discussions with the Bundesliga club, Newcastle may be forced to explore alternative options before the transfer window slams shut.
This development comes at a time when Newcastle are preparing for a demanding 2025/26 campaign that includes a return to the UEFA Champions League. Competing on multiple fronts—including the Premier League, domestic cups, and Europe—means that squad depth is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Eddie Howe’s side still have glaring gaps to fill in both midfield and defence, raising the stakes for the final weeks of the window.
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Breakthrough in Defence: Thiaw Agrees to Newcastle Terms
One area Newcastle seem to be making genuine progress in is central defence. After early summer links to Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi appeared to cool, the Magpies have now reignited their pursuit of AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw. The 23-year-old Germany international has long been admired by Newcastle scouts and was previously linked with a move to Tyneside last year—though his agent swiftly shut down speculation at that time.
Fast-forward to this summer, and there has been a significant development. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle have now agreed personal terms with Thiaw on a long-term contract that would keep him at the club until 2029. This marks a major step forward, though a deal is far from complete.
AC Milan’s stance remains firm. With new head coach Massimiliano Allegri impressed by Thiaw’s strong performances during pre-season, the Serie A giants are reluctant to sanction a sale unless a substantial offer is placed on the table. Reports in Italy suggest that a fee in the region of £30.5 million (€35 million) would be necessary to trigger Milan’s willingness to part ways with the defender. Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be monitoring the situation, potentially complicating matters further for Newcastle.
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Midfield Reinforcements: Shock Move for John McGinn Under Consideration
Meanwhile, attention is also turning toward strengthening the midfield—a department already under strain due to injuries and departures. With Sean Longstaff completing a move to Leeds United, Newcastle are in urgent need of reinforcements to complement their current core of Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali. Joe Willock remains sidelined, and young talent Lewis Miley is still finding his feet at senior level.
Surprisingly, Newcastle have now been linked with a move for Aston Villa captain John McGinn. The 30-year-old Scottish midfielder, who joined Villa in 2018, has been a consistent and hardworking presence in Unai Emery’s squad and played a pivotal role during the club’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals last season.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are weighing up a bold approach for McGinn, viewing him as an experienced and reliable figure capable of bringing leadership and energy to the engine room. With two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park, Newcastle believe the timing could be right—though prising him away from the Midlands club will be no easy feat.
Unai Emery is reportedly reluctant to lose his captain, who featured in 49 matches across all competitions last season and played a central role in Villa’s European campaign. Newcastle’s hopes may depend on their willingness to table a substantial bid and McGinn’s own openness to a new challenge.
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Verdict: Newcastle Must Act Fast or Risk Falling Behind
As it stands, Newcastle’s summer window has yet to deliver a major breakthrough, and with high-profile targets slipping through their fingers, decisive action is needed. The loss of Benjamin Šeško would be another bitter blow for a club trying to establish itself among Europe’s elite, especially when replacing a potentially departing Alexander Isak.
However, securing Malick Thiaw would be a significant statement of intent and an important addition to a defence that needs more depth and resilience. Meanwhile, any move for John McGinn would show Newcastle’s ambition to bring in ready-made leaders who can contribute immediately.
Midfield additions remain essential, especially considering the physical and tactical demands of competing across four competitions. With injuries, suspensions, and rotation inevitable, the squad must be reinforced adequately to maintain performance levels.
Time is of the essence. If Newcastle are serious about building on their recent momentum and pushing for honours next season, they’ll need to finalise deals swiftly—and smartly—in the coming weeks.