Premier League Defender on Radar as Newcastle Try to Salvage Chaotic Transfer Window | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Transfer Turmoil Continues Amid Isak Rift and Guéhi Gamble

Howe’s Summer of Headaches

As pre-season turns the corner, Eddie Howe finds himself on shifting ground. The Newcastle United boss is fighting fires on multiple fronts: failing transfers, internal discontent and a ticking clock in the window. The Times reports that Newcastle are set to revive their long-standing interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, as they attempt to inject both quality and calm into a squad stumbling through a chaotic summer.

Guéhi, 25, has long been admired at St James’ Park. Newcastle made three bids last summer and have returned with renewed hope, especially now that the England international enters the final year of his Palace contract. The Magpies are unwilling to meet Palace’s £50 million valuation, aiming to delay their move to drive the price down closer to £40 million.

Liverpool are also in the frame, but like Newcastle, are reluctant to overpay. There is an opportunity here, but only if Newcastle act swiftly and decisively.

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Centre-Back Conundrum

Newcastle’s defensive recruitment has been a source of frustration. Their pursuit of Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini began in June, but the Italians have flatly refused to sell the 21-year-old. “Atalanta have firmly rejected any approaches,” The Times stated, closing that particular door.

That leaves Guéhi as the most viable target for the right-sided centre-back role. He has never played Champions League football, but Newcastle can now offer that stage, unlike last summer. His only taste of European club action came as an unused sub for Chelsea in 2019 against Valencia.

Howe sees Guéhi as a priority and time is running out. After missing out on James Trafford, Hugo Ekitike, Yoane Wissa and Scalvini, Newcastle’s strategy must now shift from cautious to calculated risk.

Isak’s Ire Casts Shadow

Yet no signing will change the mood while Alexander Isak remains in limbo. The Sweden international’s decision to leave the team hotel in Scotland and train alone at Real Sociedad shocked supporters. A Liverpool bid of £110 million was rejected outright, but the damage may already be done. Howe has made it clear: “The 25-year-old must earn the right to train again with his team-mates.”

The sight of Isak driving into Newcastle’s training base on Monday offered hope of reconciliation. Face-to-face talks with Howe could reset the relationship, but trust has been fractured.

Isak’s absence from the Asia tour, citing a thigh injury, did little to calm speculation, especially with Liverpool circling after the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July.

Recruitment Rebuild or Regress?

So far, only two names have arrived: Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million and Aaron Ramsdale on a loan from Southampton. Meanwhile, first-choice keeper Martin Dubravka is Burnley-bound, and discussions continue for Benjamin Sesko, a £70 million target from RB Leipzig.

Newcastle are also watching Jorgen Strand Larsen and Ollie Watkins, but nothing has materialised. For a side with Champions League ambitions, this window has been worryingly unproductive.

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This window has become a symbol of frustration for Newcastle supporters. Watching the club miss target after target is tough to digest, especially when rivals are strengthening. Guéhi would be a smart and much-needed addition, but fans fear he may end up as another name on the missed list unless the club stops hesitating.

Isak’s situation is equally troubling. He was the marquee man, a symbol of the project. Now, his discontent throws serious doubt over the squad harmony. If Liverpool’s interest lingers and Isak pushes again, can Howe manage the fallout?

“Every time we think we’ve turned a corner, we stall,” one Magpies fan wrote online. That sentiment is growing. Even the arrival of Elanga hasn’t lifted spirits and Ramsdale on loan feels like a patch job.

With Europe looming, the current squad depth is not enough. Champions League nights are brutal and Newcastle are not ready. Guéhi could stabilise the defence, but without a fully committed Isak or new attacking blood, this window feels more like survival than progression.