Football FanCast brings you the definitive Newcastle United transfer round-up following the close of the summer transfer window last month.

The Toon have had a busy window, with the club welcoming the likes of Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento to the club – making five signings in all.

The exit door has been even more busy, though, with 11 players waving goodbye to St James Park, either temporarily or permanently, like in the case of Allan Saint-Maximin.

Who did Newcastle sign this summer?

On the back of what was a sensational 2022/23 Premier League campaign – one that saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in over twenty years – the Toon have spent some significant money this summer as Howe looks to bolster his side ahead of another year of breaking new ground.

While the club have made several impressive signings thus far, it would be hard to argue against Sandro Tonali being the pick of the bunch, a genuine marquee signing. The Italian international made the switch from boyhood club AC Milan early in the window in a deal that cost the Magpies a hefty £55m.

That said, with the 23 year old scoring within the first ten minutes of his league debut against Aston Villa, it looks like he could be worth every penny of that fee and then some.

Moving north with significantly less fanfare was Harvey Barnes, who, despite costing a lot less than Tonali at £39m, also looks to be an excellent signing for the club. Like his new Italian teammate, Barnes opened his Newcastle account on the opening day of the season when Howe’s men ran riot over Aston Villa.

However, it’s not just been all about attack for the Magpies this summer, as Dan Ashworth has also brought in some young defensive options in the guise of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.

The former swapped the south coast for the northeast in a deal that saw Newcastle pay Southampton £32m for his services. On the other hand, Hall has joined the club on an initial loan deal; however, the club is obligated to make the move permanent come the end of the season.

With Champions League nights returning to St James Park and an array of highly talented players making their way to Tyneside over the last few weeks, it promises to be a season to remember for the Magpies.

Who did Newcastle sell this summer?

Newcastle’s revolution under their Saudi-based ownership has been a sight to behold, and with the club adding an array of new faces to the team over the last 18 months or so, it’s not surprising to see a number of the old guard slowly phased out along the way.

However, it has to be said the club have not done an awful lot in terms of balancing their FFP books this summer in those sales, with only three players sold for an actual fee.

And the only player to break the £20m mark is Allan Saint-Maximin when he departed the north-east for Saudi Arabia earlier in the summer. Chris Wood moved to Nottingham Forest permanently for £15m, and Karl Darlow swapped St James Park for Elland Road in a deal worth £400k.

Who could Newcastle sign in January?

Following the Saudi takeover in October 2021, the Tynesiders have outlaid a whopping £380m in the four transfer windows that have ensued – and that figure is only expected to increase by the time January has been and gone.

Here are Newcastle’s rumoured January incomings as we make our way through October 2023:

Marcos Leonardo – Santos: According to reports from Brazil (via TEAMtalk), Newcastle United are currently in contact to ‘guarantee’ the January signing of the young, exciting Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from his current side, Santos.

The report has revealed that after a summer of being linked with a move to Roma, the Toon are now the latest side to show sincere interest in the 20-year-old and have been ‘exploring strategies’ to bring him to St James’ Park in the winter window.

Santos are said to be happy to sell their prized asset should the buying club meet their valuation of around €20m to €25m, which converts to between £17m and £22m – a totally attainable fee for the incredibly wealthy Magpies.

It appears he’d be well worth that sort of fee as well, as in 31 games this season, the youngster has scored 17 goals, provided two assists, won four Man of the Match awards and averaged a match rating of 6.83, per WhoScored.

Ruben Neves – Al Hilal: According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle United have been given the ‘green light’ to sign players from PIF-owned Saudi Pro League sides on loan this January as they look to cover the loss of Sandro Tonali, with Ruben Neves being of particular interest.

Reporter Graeme Bailey has claimed that in light of Tonali’s ban, the Toon have been told that they can now look to bring in players from the four PIF-owned teams in the Saudi Pro League as cover – and that Neves is ‘a player that is highly thought of at St James’ Park.’

This is a move that would undoubtedly bring a lot of eyeballs and even more scrutiny given the PIF link between the potential buying and selling parties. Still, there doesn’t seem to be any specifically against this happening, so if they need the cover, there really aren’t many options better than Neves, especially on loan.

Watch this space; things could get very interesting.

Scott McTominay – Manchester United: The Magpies could turn to the towering midfielder in Janaury as they look to replace Sandro Tonali, who is set to receive a lengthy ban for alleged illegal betting on football.

The Athletic ran a story citing Mctominay as a possible replacement, with Eddie Howe valuing his experience and physicality. The Scotland international can operate at the base of midfield but also in a more advanced role, as evinced with his national team.

His United form has fluctuated of late but notwithstanding that, the Tynesiders will still have to pay a premium for his signature as he remains part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.

And considering Newcastle are a direct rival for a top-four spot, it seems unlikely United will sanction a sale, particularly mid-season.

Amadou Onana – Everton: The Athletic’s report also named the Belgium international as a possible Tonali successor, with the Toffee’s financial situation a potential catalyst for a January sale.

The Merseysiders will likely need to sell either Onana or defender Jarrad Branthwaite next year, so perhaps there is room for a discounted deal.

The former Lille midfielder has previously been on a list of targets drawn up by head of recruitment Steve Nickson, so the club are well aware of what he could bring to St James’ Park.

The 22-year-old, anyhow, would still command a pretty sizable fee having been brought in for £33m 14 months ago.

Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen: According to Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle United are one of a number of top clubs across the continent interested in signing the German forward.

Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old, who has enjoyed a marvellous start to the campaign.

Wirtz has registered seven goal contributions in 10 outings this term as his side sit at the summit of the Bundesliga table, two points clear of the reigning champions Bayern Munich.

Reports in Germany have claimed Leverkusen could look to cash in on their prized asset next summer, with an €85m (£74.1m) price tag being mooted.

Barca have reportedly withdrawn their interest in Wirtz due to economic reasons, which could leave the door open for the Magpies to make a statement signing.

Perhaps Eddie Howe’s team are one of only a few suitors able to feasibly sign the 12-cap Germany international thanks to their wealthy owners.

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City: The England international has been out of favour since joining the Citizens from Leeds United in July 2022 and has been strongly linked with an exit over the last few months.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle are expected to be forced into the transfer market this winter due to the betting scandal surrounding Tonali.

The 23-year-old could face a lengthy ban from football, leaving a void in Howe’s midfield and opening a pathway for Phillips to make the move up north.

The North East club would most likely prefer a loan move, however, it remains to be seen whether City will sanction a temporary deal after outlaying £42m on his signature just 15 months ago.

Adrien Rabiot – Juventus: Calciomercato (via Sportsmole) has reported that Newcastle United are ‘interested’ in bringing Juventus and French national team star Adrien Rabiot to St James’ Park.

The 28-year-old looked as if he was going to be leaving the Old Lady for free this summer upon the expiration of his contract, but a last-minute one-year extension means that he’ll likely remain in Turin until at least the summer, although with less than 12 months left on his deal, the Toon could try to sign him on a pre-contract in January.

However, Juventus are actively trying to stop this from happening, as the report also reveals that the Italian giants are looking to offer him a new deal. It also names Manchester United as the Magpies’ most significant competition should the Frenchman want to leave Turin.

While the former Paris Saint-Germain star has picked up a reputation as a troublemaker, his skill and ability are undeniable. Last season, he started 31 Serie A games for Juventus in which he scored eight goals, provided four assists and averaged a match rating of 7.11, per WhoScored.

He has also won 38 caps for France, so while there could be some risk in signing him, it certainly seems like a risk worth taking.

Adam Wharton – Blackburn Rovers: With all the big names and superstar players being linked to Newcastle United at the moment, it can be easy to ignore some of the younger and lesser-known players being touted for a move to St James’ Park, but Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton isn’t a player to be ignored.

A report from the Sunderland Echo has revealed that the Toon are interested in signing the young midfielder from the Championship side once the January transfer window opens but will likely face ‘stiff competition’ from the likes of Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Everton.

There is no report on how much a deal might cost the Magpies, but considering he has only recently signed a long-term contract set to keep him at Elwood Park until summer 2027, it’s unlikely it would be cheap.

However, with the buzz surrounding the youngster, he might just be worth the investment.

Joachim Andersen – Crystal Palace: Football Insider claims the Magpies are ‘closely monitoring’ Joachim Andersen ahead of the winter window.

They’ve reportedly had a long-standing interest in the ball-playing centre-half and even submitted a late offer towards the end of the summer.

Dan Ashworth and Howe are keen on strengthening the defensive ranks and are prepared to table another bid in January, though Palace will likely demand a pretty sizeable fee, particularly in mid-season.

The south Londoners outlaid £14.9m to sign the Denmark international two years ago following a fruitful season-long loan spell in the west of the capital with Fulham.

Given Andersen still has just shy of three years left on his deal at Selhurst Park, Ashworth will certainly do well to land him for a fee that satisfies both parties.

Who could leave Newcastle in January?

Outgoing rumours have been pretty minimal, the Magpies managed to shift a lot of the fringe players off the wage bill last summer. And they’re also continuing to tie down their best assets to new deals.

Callum Wilson has recently signed an extension, whilst Joelinton and Sean Longstaff remain in contract negotiations. Bruno Guimarães is also thought to be nearing a new bumper deal.

However, club captain and eight-year servant Jamaal Lascelles could depart in January, having had interest from Süper Lig giants Besiktas towards the end of the summer transfer window – though any move will be dependent on incomings, as the Tynesiders are fairly light in their defensive ranks, which has been made more apparent following Sven Botman’s recent injury.

So, all things considered, it appears the winter window could be pretty quiet for Newcastle in terms of outgoings.

How could Newcastle line up?

How would the three rumoured signings fit into Howe’s side? Would they come straight into the starting line-up or onto the bench?

Well, Leverkusen’s talented youngster Wirtz would likely demand a club-record fee so it’s hard to imagine him sitting on the bench at St James’ Park. Phillips, too, would likely slot straight into Howe’s side, particularly if Tonali receives a lengthy suspension for the betting scandal.

Napoli’s prolific frontman Osimhen would almost definitely slot straight into the starting XI, even with Newcastle’s strong attacking depth.

Wilson, despite his brilliance, would surely drop down to third-choice in the pecking order and Isak could be forced to operate out wide (provided he isn’t sold to Napoli), pushing Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes aside.

Rabiot’s potential arrival is perhaps not as straightforward, with the Frenchman competing against the likes of Guimarães and Joelinton in midfield. Notwithstanding that, he’d likely start his fair share of games and could displace Sean Longstaff in Howe’s XI.

Palace centre-half Andersen would do well to break up the pairing of Botman and Fabian Schär, although the trio could share minutes and rotate pretty frequently, especially if Newcastle remain in the Champions League.

Linked arrival McTominay would likely join to fill Tonali’s void left in midfield and after racking up 150 appearances in the Premier League, the 26-year-old perhaps needs less of an adaption period than Rabiot.

Everton’s Onana has already adapted to the division’s intensity having joined from Lille in 2022, so his potential move up north could see him become an immediate fixture of Howe’s midfield.

Potential Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Andersen, Botman, Burn; Onana, Bruno Guimarães, Wirtz; Isak, Osimhen, Gordon.