Newcastle prepare double swoop as summer business kicks off | OneFootball

Newcastle United Target Guehi and Mbeumo in Statement Summer Plan

Recruitment Plans Fully in Motion Despite Internal Change

In a summer that promises to define Newcastle United’s immediate ambitions, the groundwork for decisive transfer business has already been laid. As reported by The Telegraph, the Magpies are actively preparing bids for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, as the club presses ahead in search of reinforcements for Eddie Howe.

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Despite the impending exit of sporting director Paul Mitchell at the end of June, the club’s momentum has not stalled. Those inside the recruitment department are keen to press on. A senior source said: “Everything is in place, all the work that has been done on players has been finished and now we have to push the button and get those deals done. We know who we want.”

This summer represents a crucial moment not just for squad building but for ensuring the stability and continuity of Newcastle’s upward trajectory. Howe has made it clear that key positions must be addressed promptly, noting that “speed is key, we have to be dynamic.”

Targeting Guehi: Composed, Progressive, and Premier League-Ready

Guehi, a modern-day centre-back with the ability to carry the ball into midfield and play under pressure, fits the bill perfectly. Howe has long admired the England international and was disappointed to miss out on him last year. This time around, with the defender entering the final year of his deal at Palace, the opportunity feels more tangible.

The 24-year-old’s performances for Palace and his role with England underline his consistency and maturity. While the Eagles’ qualification for European competition after their FA Cup triumph could complicate matters, the reality of Guehi’s contract situation will put pressure on Palace to consider realistic offers.

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Newcastle will not entertain the £65 million valuation previously quoted, but a deal remains plausible if Palace soften their stance. “They’ve kept tabs on him for over a year,” said a source familiar with the negotiations. “He’s exactly what they’re missing – someone who can anchor a backline while playing through pressure.”

This pursuit also reflects Howe’s desire to evolve Newcastle’s style. Ball progression from the back has been a noticeable gap, particularly against deep-lying teams. Guehi’s calmness on the ball and tactical acumen would be an instant upgrade.

Mbeumo: Dynamic Width and Final Third Precision

While Guehi would bolster the backline, Bryan Mbeumo is seen as the answer further up the pitch. Newcastle’s right-sided attack has lacked variety and consistent threat, and the Brentford winger has long been earmarked to provide just that.

The Cameroon international, who has quietly impressed in West London with goals, assists, and tireless work rate, is valued between £50 million and £60 million. That figure might prove justifiable considering his peak age, Premier League experience, and technical ceiling.

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Newcastle face competition from Manchester United, but the Telegraph notes that United are currently prioritising other targets. That opens a window for Newcastle to strike fast, precisely as Howe wants. “Good players don’t hang around for long,” he said, reinforcing the urgency.

Mbeumo’s ability to cut inside and link with forwards like Isak could transform Newcastle’s transitional play. His defensive discipline also makes him a natural fit for Howe’s high-octane, compact press.

More Moves Incoming as Squad Evolution Continues

While a centre-back and right-winger are top priorities, there is expectation of further business. A goalkeeper is also under consideration, with current No.1 Nick Pope returning from injury but needing competition.

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A striker to complement Alexander Isak, particularly someone who can occupy defenders centrally, is also on the radar.

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Should Sean Longstaff depart, a midfield replacement will be needed too. The club’s plan remains ambitious yet carefully aligned with Premier League financial regulations, which hindered Mitchell’s impact last season. “Concerns about profit and sustainability rules blocked his attempts to recruit,” the report notes.

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Despite Mitchell’s imminent exit, he remains active in transfer planning. He hopes to oversee at least one major deal before stepping down. His collaboration with Howe, Andy Howe and Steve Nickson has shaped this summer’s strategy.

There is no suggestion of internal conflict behind his decision to leave. Rather, it is the consequence of constrained influence and shifting club dynamics. As one insider put it: “Mitchell hasn’t had the impact he would have liked.”

Urgency and Vision Must Align to Capitalise on Window

Eddie Howe’s public remarks on the importance of speed are revealing. “You can have a period where you think you’ve got time, but then you can look around very quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won’t get again.”

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This summer is about opportunity, not only to sign top-tier players but to consolidate Newcastle’s position as a club with ambition and clarity. Missing out on Champions League football last season served as a reminder of how thin the margins are in elite-level football.

With Premier League rivals retooling aggressively, Newcastle’s recruitment team must deliver precision and urgency. Guehi and Mbeumo, should they arrive early, would send a clear signal: Newcastle are ready to challenge again, with balance across the pitch and depth that matches their stature.

Howe has shown what he can achieve with coherent planning. Now, that planning must be executed. No more near-misses. No more long pursuits without reward. Newcastle are not just scouting targets anymore – they’re targeting success.

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Two high-calibre, Premier League-proven players in Guehi and Mbeumo would be massive upgrades to the spine and width of the team. It shows that even with Paul Mitchell leaving, the club is still operating with purpose and structure.

The fact that Howe is driving this process and remains involved at every level is reassuring for the fan base. He’s not just a figurehead – he’s actively shaping the squad with his style in mind. Guehi would be Newcastle’s best ball-playing defender since Coloccini and could be the perfect partner for Botman. Mbeumo? He brings goals, energy, and a real edge to their right flank.

This feels like a club refusing to rest. Yes, they have Champions League this year and the foundations are strong. If they can land these deals early, before rivals react, it could set the tone for a big campaign. Momentum starts in June, not August.

More importantly, this is about ambition. Newcastle are not just shopping for squad players anymore. They’re going after names that move the needle. The message is clear: Newcastle mean business. And if they get this window right, the top four is well within reach again.