The 14 free agents Newcastle United could still target after transfer window closes
Newcastle United will breathe a collective sigh of relief now that the summer transfer window has finally drawn to a close. After months of speculation, negotiations, and uncertainty, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team can reflect on a busy period in which they strengthened key areas of the squad in preparation for their long-awaited return to the Champions League.
Of course, the headline departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool will remain a sore point for many supporters. The Swedish international’s record-breaking transfer fee may help balance the books, but losing a player of his calibre inevitably leaves a blemish on what was otherwise a positive window. Nevertheless, Howe can take encouragement from the arrivals of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, both of whom have been brought in to refresh and bolster Newcastle’s attacking options.
The window officially closed at 7pm on Monday, preventing the Magpies from dipping back into the market for further permanent signings. However, hope is not entirely lost if reinforcements are needed. The free agent market remains open, and Newcastle retain the option of making opportunistic moves should injuries or unforeseen setbacks disrupt the current squad. With that in mind, attention has already turned towards a number of potential options who could arrive without the need for a transfer fee.
Left-back cover still a question mark
One of the positions where Newcastle might seek depth is left-back. Lewis Hall impressed after stepping into the role last season, cementing himself as Howe’s preferred choice before an untimely injury curtailed his campaign. The youngster is expected to return strongly, but with his recovery still being carefully managed, Newcastle may consider additional cover to safeguard against any setbacks.
In fairness, Howe does have a handful of makeshift options at his disposal. Dan Burn and Tino Livramento have both been deployed on the left side of defence, while Kieran Trippier, though far more comfortable on the right, has filled in there on occasion. Still, natural left-backs on the market could tempt the Magpies.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilón stands out as perhaps the most high-profile candidate available. Despite being unattached, Transfermarkt values the Spaniard at around €6 million (£5.2m), underlining his pedigree. Other names include Jamal Lewis – once a Newcastle player himself – as well as Juan Bernat and Diego Laxalt, both of whom bring experience at the top level.
Striker situation after Isak’s exit
The striker department has undergone major surgery following the exits of both Isak and Callum Wilson. Their departures left sizeable gaps in the squad, prompting Newcastle to act quickly in bringing in Woltemade and Wissa. Will Osula remains at the club despite reported interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, and youngster Sean Neave is highly thought of within the academy setup.
However, there are question marks over whether the depth is sufficient, particularly with Wissa set to depart mid-season for the African Cup of Nations. In such a scenario, Woltemade would be expected to lead the line, but injuries or poor form could expose a lack of experience.
That’s why free agents could yet become a lifeline. Several notable forwards remain without clubs, including Paco Alcácer, Emmanuel Dennis, Patrick Bamford, Karl Toko Ekambi, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Michail Antonio. Each of these players would bring different qualities, from Premier League know-how to international experience, and could serve as short-term fixes if Newcastle find themselves short on firepower.
Midfield reinforcements still a possibility
In midfield, Newcastle’s situation is slightly more comfortable, though not without risk. Injuries to Joelinton and Sandro Tonali during the early stages of the campaign have raised alarm bells, particularly given the physical demands of competing on multiple fronts. The club had been monitoring Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi, but with the window now shut, any move for the Italian international will have to wait until January.
If circumstances demand immediate action, the free agent pool once again offers some intriguing possibilities. Former Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, a key figure in their Championship-winning side, is currently unattached. So too are Josh Dasilva, formerly of Brentford, and seasoned professionals Christian Eriksen and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both Eriksen and Oxlade-Chamberlain bring invaluable Premier League and European experience, making them potential short-term solutions should an injury crisis unfold.
That said, central midfield remains arguably Newcastle’s strongest department when all players are fit and available. Any free agent signings in this area would most likely provide depth rather than challenge for starting roles. Still, as the season progresses, and with the added demands of European competition, Howe will know the value of keeping reliable reinforcements on standby.
Final thoughts
All things considered, Newcastle head into the new season with a strengthened but reshaped squad. The sting of losing Isak will linger, yet the proactive additions of Woltemade and Wissa, combined with the possibility of dipping into the free agent market, mean the Magpies are not left vulnerable. For Howe, the key will be managing the balance between trust in his current squad and readiness to act if gaps appear.
The free agent market is rarely the ideal solution, but as Newcastle prepare for a season balancing domestic and European football, it could yet prove an important safety net.