Newcastle United are no strangers to the free agent market, and it is something they should look to utilise in 2026.
The last free agent who Newcastle United signed was Antonio Cordero. He arrived in the summer from Malaga, with Newcastle landing Cordero ahead of the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
2026 could see the Magpies target more free transfers, and there are certainly some exciting options that Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson should explore.
Marc Guehi
It is a long shot, but Newcastle United should certainly look again at signing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Guehi is going to become a free agent, and he is a player who Eddie Howe was once desperate to bring to St James’ Park. He almost became Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever in 2024, only for Steve Parish to reject the Magpies’ advances.
Since then, Newcastle United have bought Malick Thiaw to be their right-sided centre-back instead. He has been pretty much perfect since his arrival.
But that should not put Newcastle off Guehi, who can play as a left-sided centre-back as well. So can Thiaw, and they could prove to be quite the pairing in black and white amid fresh concerns over Sven Botman’s fitness.
Quinten Timber
Newcastle United have seen how good Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber is this season, so how about signing his twin brother?
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Quinten Timber is entering the final six months of his Feyenoord contract, and could add extra depth to the Newcastle United midfield.
It has been reported that Newcastle want a centre-midfielder in 2026, with Kees Smit and Kevin Danois on their radar. Timber would certainly be a cheaper option.
Oscar Mingueza
Newcastle United have been linked with Oscar Mingueza recently, and it is not difficult to work out why.
His Celta Vigo contract is due to expire in the summer, while he is capable of playing at right-back and centre-back. That versatility will be massively appealing to Eddie Howe.
Newcastle need to sign a right-back in 2026, with Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth at risk of leaving. Their contracts are due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
There are also concerns over Tino Livramento’s future, which makes it essential that a player like Mingueza arrives at St James’ Park.
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The Man City rumours refuse to go away.
Ruben Neves
When Newcastle United had a midfield crisis in late 2023, there were rumours that PIF could do them a favour and send Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal to St James’ Park.
Even the rumours enraged onlookers, despite Newcastle not having any intention of signing Neves.
But there can be no complaints if the Magpies make a move in 2026, with the Portugal international currently on course to become a free agent.
It has been reported that Neves is keen to return to the Premier League, and Newcastle United could give him that opportunity. There is certainly a need for extra quality in the middle of the park, with Joelinton underperforming and question marks surrounding Sandro Tonali’s long-term future.