How Newcastle could line up following the £125 million splurge and Alexander Isak’s transfer call

Newcastle are making a move to recruit Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea, having completed a deal for Anthony Elanga.

Eddie Howe may be able to unleash a dangerous new attack force as Newcastle look to recruit Hugo Ekitike to play with Alexander Isak rather than replacing him. The Magpies aim to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt striker for the upcoming Champions League season.

Last season, Newcastle relied on Isak for goals, with the Swede scoring 27 and assisting six on his way to a fifth-place finish and Carabao Cup victory. Despite interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, the great striker is expected to stay at St James’ Park until 2028.

Ekitike may be joining Howe’s team soon. Newcastle has previously failed to sign the forward in the past, but appears desperate to sign the Frenchman, who scored 22 goals and assisted 12 times in 48 appearances for Frankfurt last season.

Newcastle are determined to sign the 23-year-old, despite interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. According to reports, agent Ali Barat is aiming to finalise a £70 million agreement.

That would make Ekitike Newcastle’s record signing, surpassing the price spent for Isak. This is after spending £55 million on Anthony Elanga.

But how do they all fit on the side? It may offer Howe an alternative to his favorite 433.

Newcastle’s manager may use Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali in the center of the pitch to support Isak and Ekitike. Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga may play as wing-backs, with Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, and Dan Burn ahead of Nick Pope.

Otherwise, the Toon might go with a more conventional back four. Tino Livramento is difficult to drop and might play on the right of Botman and Schar, with Lews Hall recovering from injury to play on the left and potentially move into midfield.

Hugo Ekitike is wanted by Newcastle United. (Image by Ulrik Pedersen/Getty Images)

Tonali and Guimares are likely to hold their spots, while Gordon and Elanga could move out wide, despite Jacob Murphy’s strong performance last season. Isak and Ekitike might then be given the opportunity to swap between leading the line and dropping deeper.

Isak has demonstrated the potential to play alongside Viktor Gyokeres on international duty for Sweden, while Ekitike has shown versatility with Omar Marmoush in the first half of 2024/25.

A final option would be to keep Newcastle’s midfield three, with Ekitike and Isak alternating between forward and wide positions. That would leave Gordon and Elanga vying for the final berth in the XI.

Newcastle 1: Pope, Schar, Botman, Burn; Elanga, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon; Isak, Ekitike.

Newcastle United 2: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali; Elanga, Ekitike, Gordon; Isak.

Newcastle 3: Pope; Liveramento, Schar, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Gordon, Isak, and Ekitike.

Exclusive: Newcastle confirms Conor Gallagher’s £50 million bid will be accepted

Newcastle United have been informed that a £50 million proposal for Conor Gallagher would be accepted by Atletico Madrid this summer.

On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the 25-year-old’s possible return to the Premier League from Spain.

Ateltico are not actively looking to sell the England midfielder, believing he still has a “huge” role to play in Diego Simeone’s squad, but would be willing to sell for the right price.

This comes after former Manchester United head scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are looking to add Gallagher to boost their midfield.

Howe is said to be a big fan of Gallagher and is looking to bolster his midfield options, with Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley linked with moves elsewhere.

According to sources, the agreement will be determined by the former Chelsea player’s future plans and his desire to return to the Premier League.

Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher could relocate to Newcastle. (credit: Getty Images) )

Newcastle and Tottenham are considering a trade for Conor Gallagher.

Newcastle are not the only club interested in Gallagher; Tottenham are also intrigued, having failed to sign him from Chelsea last summer.

The midfielder hopes to play regularly next season in order to make Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad in 2026.

However, O’Rourke stated that it would be a “surprise” if he left Atletico Madrid this summer, amid increasing interest from Premier League clubs.

“I’d be surprised, in all honesty,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s not surprising that Premier League clubs will be interested in Gallagher because he’s a good player who has proven himself for both England and Chelsea.

“I don’t believe he’s actively for sale.

“Atletico Madrid may sell if they receive the proper offer, as reported by the Spanish media, and they may sell him if the offer is too good to refuse.

“Gallagher was in and out of the team and wasn’t playing in his ideal position.

“But he still has an important role to play for Atletico Madrid.”

“A lot will depend on where Gallagher sees his future; he has a big year ahead of him, and he’ll want to play regularly to break into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.”

“He joined Atletico for roughly £40 million from Chelsea last year, and it will take a lot more to get him go.

“Atletico will only contemplate selling him if the price is around £50 million.

“I’m not sure Premier League clubs will be willing to go to those levels, but if he is on the market, it doesn’t surprise me that Newcastle are looking at him.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe intends to strengthen his squad. (credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Eddie Howe announces new James Trafford offer.

Along with Gallagher, Howe hopes to bring the midfielder’s England international teammate James Trafford to St James’ Park.

On 11 July, Football Insider exclusively learned that Newcastle are considering a second bid for Trafford as they remain determined to complete the transfer.

The new bid is thought to be around £22 million up front, with add-ons pushing it close to £40 million as they attempt to persuade Burnley to cash in.

This comes after Football Insider reported that Newcastle could have to overpay for Trafford following Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League.

Chelsea gets transfer favor from Newcastle as massive £52 million deal is agreed. Chelsea has been active in the transfer market this summer and has been granted a favour by Newcastle

Chelsea Receive Surprise Transfer Boost from Newcastle as Major Deal Shakes Up Market

Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has taken an unexpected twist following a strategic favour from Newcastle United. With Stamford Bridge already buzzing from several incomings and outgoings, the Blues have now been given a timely advantage by the Magpies. A blockbuster deal has been agreed that reshapes more than one club’s transfer strategy—and Chelsea could emerge as one of the key beneficiaries.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could be prepared to sell Noni Madueke if the Blues get over £50million (Image: GETTY)

The ripple effect of Newcastle’s high-profile agreement is already being felt across the Premier League. By sanctioning a move involving a major player, Newcastle have not only balanced their books but indirectly cleared a pathway for Chelsea to push forward with one of their own transfer ambitions. Timing has proven crucial, and Stamford Bridge insiders believe this unexpected assist from Tyneside could help unlock a stalled pursuit.

The deal in question saw Newcastle reach terms with another club for a marquee player who had been on Chelsea’s radar earlier in the window. With the Magpies stepping aside from further negotiations around the same position, Chelsea now face significantly less competition. The market for that role has thinned, and the Blues now have breathing room to structure their ideal bid.

Sources close to Chelsea’s recruitment team have quietly acknowledged that Newcastle’s decision has reduced pressure in a highly contested area of the market. What had been a congested chase involving several top English sides now feels like a clearer run. Chelsea’s negotiators, always strategic in timing, are now preparing to reopen discussions with a player who had previously been hesitant due to the number of interested clubs.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s decision to pursue and complete their own big-money move was born out of necessity. The club needed to address a particular squad deficiency ahead of their European campaign and acted decisively. In doing so, they inadvertently lightened the market for other top sides, including Chelsea. It’s a rare situation where two competitors may both walk away satisfied.

This shift could not have come at a better time for Chelsea. The Blues have been carefully managing their spending this summer, choosing to focus on youth and long-term value rather than short-term splashes. But they have also remained in the market for a game-changing addition in one or two key positions. With Newcastle now out of the frame for one of those positions, Chelsea have found themselves in a far stronger position to negotiate.

The favour wasn’t intentional—clubs rarely plan to help their rivals—but in the unpredictable theatre of the transfer window, these moments of indirect assistance can be golden. The Chelsea board, led by their sporting directors and senior scouts, are now prioritising how to capitalise on this new opportunity without drawing too much attention.

Reports suggest Chelsea’s priority target is now more open to joining, encouraged by the idea of regular football and less direct competition for starting spots. The player’s camp has re-engaged with Chelsea representatives, and talks have resumed with a more positive tone. There is still work to be done, but the mood at Cobham is one of quiet confidence.

As the deal involving Newcastle becomes official, Chelsea have subtly repositioned themselves in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. With fewer hurdles and an accelerated timeline, the possibility of a late-summer swoop has grown significantly. The club is expected to firm up its interest within days.

The dynamics of the transfer market can shift dramatically from one day to the next. What was once a logjam is now an open lane, and Chelsea have the chance to take full advantage. They remain cautious, however, aware that other clubs may re-enter the fray. Speed and discretion will be key in the coming days.

Beyond this, Chelsea are also monitoring how the dominoes from the Newcastle deal affect valuations elsewhere. When a top club spends big, agents and selling clubs adjust their expectations. Chelsea’s financial team is working hard to ensure that they don’t overpay or walk into inflated deals caused by a sudden burst of activity.

This summer has been a transitional one for the Blues. The focus has shifted from glamour signings to sustainable growth. The squad is younger, more athletic, and increasingly built around a core of high-potential stars. The indirect help from Newcastle comes as Chelsea look to fine-tune rather than rebuild.

In training, the atmosphere remains high. The coaching staff are encouraged by the physical condition and attitude of the current squad. However, they know that another key arrival could elevate performance levels further and inject a competitive edge ahead of a demanding season.

Chelsea fans have been patiently waiting for another statement signing, and this twist in the market could provide just that. While many expected Chelsea to remain quiet after early-window business, this shift may prompt a late, targeted move with real impact.

Club legends and pundits alike have been vocal about the need for reinforcement in one particular area. With the path now clearer, Chelsea’s recruitment team are under pressure to deliver. They have the backing, the data, and now—thanks to Newcastle—the market conditions to make it happen.

This scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of Premier League dealings. One club’s move affects many others, and opportunistic executives must always be ready to pounce. Chelsea have shown time and again that they are among the most adaptable operators in the transfer world.

As Newcastle officially unveil their new signing, Chelsea will likely continue to work behind the scenes. The stage is now set for a calculated push, one that could see the Blues benefit from Tyneside’s big play without ever having lifted a finger.

For Chelsea, this favour could be the turning point in a transfer window that had appeared steady but unspectacular. With rivals distracted or satisfied, the door has creaked open—and Stamford Bridge may yet roar with the arrival of one more star.

All eyes now turn to what Chelsea will do next. The pressure is on, the pieces are in place, and thanks to Newcastle’s boldness, the Blues have the perfect opportunity to strike at exactly the right moment.