Newcastle United are almost at the end of an exhausting and at times exasperating summer transfer window, but there are potential exits still to contend with, and signings to be made.
The transfer show was put on pause on Monday night, though, as United met Premier League champions Liverpool in a spectacle of a game, losing 3-2 but reinforcing the bond with the fanbase after such an incredible effort.
Bruno Guimaraes led by example, blending talent with tenacity and toughness. He acted as the talisman that Alexander Isak should be for the Magpies, but the number nine, wanted by Liverpool, wanting Liverpool, remains absent, having ostracised himself from Eddie Howe’s squad as he pushes to force an exit.
Howe took the positives from a brilliant collective performance that cruelly yielded nothing by way of points for the Tynesiders.
But the contest with Arne Slot’s side has highlighted the need for a few more signings before the transfer window shuts in six days.
Newcastle eyeing several signings
Newcastle’s summer-long pursuit of a new striker continues to rage on, with recent bids being rejected for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
Whether Isak stays or goes remains to be seen, but there’s no question that a new forward is needed irrespective of that outcome.
However, Newcastle also need a midfielder, with injuries inflicted on Joelinton and Sandro Tonali during the recent defeat to Liverpool emphasising that fact.
Well, according to journalist Jason Soutar, Newcastle are exploring a move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, with the need for another central midfielder persisting after the £40m acquisition of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.
Sean Longstaff left St. James’ Park and signed for Leeds United this summer, so a versatile and robust midfielder like Santos, who is only 21, could be the perfect fit, though Premier League rivals such as West Ham United are interested too, and he has been valued at £42m.
Why Newcastle want Andrey Santos
Chelsea signed Santos from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama when he was 18 years old. Recognised as a top talent from the off, the Brazilian midfielder has spent a season-and-a-half on loan with Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
However, he has since returned to Stamford Bridge, featuring in the Club World Cup and playing a peripheral part across the opening weeks of the 2025/26 campaign.
Santos has only been handed 39 minutes of action across Chelsea’s opening two fixtures of the Premier League campaign, and he might be convinced to jump ship if offered the promise of playing time and a pathway to prominence at St. James’ Park.
After all, the Brazilian showcased his skills and then some in France last season, even rivalling Guimaraes in regard to midfield quality, perhaps suggesting that he could replace his compatriot at Newcastle in the coming years.
Santos
Matches (starts)
38 (38)
32 (32)
Goals
5
10
Assists
6
3
Touches*
64.0
65.9
Pass completion
84%
89%
Big chances created
12
9
Key passes*
1.4
0.8
Dribbles*
0.9
0.6
Ball recoveries*
4.9
5.9
Tackles + interceptions*
3.0
4.4
Duels won*
6.4 (52%)
7.1 (67%)
It’s a well-documented fact that the Premier League presents a different kind of challenge for so many talented prospects making the leap, but it bodes well for Santos that he has shown he has a striking similarity to Newcastle’s midfield machine
Hailed as a “duel monster” with a “top tackling ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Santos has what it takes to one day succeed the 27-year-old Guimaraes, especially with such crispness in possession, and much creativity besides.
Guimaraes’ performance against Liverpool was played with such fervent passion that it’s inconceivable to imagine him leaving anytime soon.
But he will remove the famous black-and-white shirt for a final time at one point, and if Santos is signed, Howe might find himself wielding an incredible successor.