Newcastle United are reported to be at the front of a growing queue of clubs interested in making a January move for a player who could help solve one of Eddie Howe’s most pressing issues.
While many supporters may not have been thrilled if they were offered Newcastle’s current league position at the start of the season — sitting in mid-table and just a point behind Sunderland — there remains a strong belief that the squad is only a few smart additions away from pushing back towards the top four. Injuries, more than anything else, have disrupted Newcastle’s campaign.
Yoane Wissa has only recently returned after a lengthy absence, while defensive fitness problems have been a constant theme since the summer. When fully available, Newcastle boast one of the most resilient back lines in the Premier League, and keeping that unit healthy in the second half of the season could prove decisive in determining whether Champions League football returns to St James’ Park.
With Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier all spending time on the sidelines, strengthening the full-back areas looks a logical January priority. Recent reports suggest Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza has emerged as a potential solution.
Speculation linking Newcastle with Mingueza surfaced earlier this week and was quickly picked up elsewhere. While the links have yet to be fully confirmed by the most reliable sources, it is a move that aligns neatly with Newcastle’s needs.
The 26-year-old is a versatile option, capable of playing on either flank, further forward as a winger, or most commonly as a right-back for Celta. He is regarded as one of La Liga’s more effective attacking wing-backs, has earned four international caps, and is approaching the final stages of his contract in Vigo — a situation that has drawn interest from multiple clubs.
Aston Villa, West Ham and several teams across Europe are believed to be monitoring Mingueza’s situation. Many may prefer to wait in the hope of securing him on a free transfer in the summer, but Newcastle appear well placed to strike earlier. Their PSR position could allow them to act in January if they choose.
Mingueza is not without flaws — he is not considered an elite defensive specialist — but his technical quality, passing range and intelligent movement suit Eddie Howe’s proactive full-back system. He could complement Lewis Hall well on the opposite side and would represent a high-quality rotational option capable of adapting quickly to Premier League demands.
For now, however, the situation remains speculative rather than advanced. Whether Newcastle choose to act immediately, and whether Mingueza is open to a mid-season departure, remains unclear.
There is also the possibility that the defender prefers to wait until the end of the campaign. With his contract running down, he may feel he can secure a more lucrative deal as a free agent, especially given the number of clubs likely to be in the market. Free transfers often come with higher wages, and Mingueza may decide patience is the best option.
That said, Caught Offside report that Celta Vigo could be open to a January sale to avoid losing him for nothing, suggesting a fee in the region of €8–10 million (£7–8.5m) could be enough to strike a deal — a modest outlay by Premier League standards.
Newcastle’s financial flexibility could give them a clear advantage over Aston Villa, whose January spending is expected to be limited. While Villa may explore pre-contract talks, a winter bid appears less likely.
Ultimately, there are still many unknowns. But Newcastle’s need for full-back depth, the likelihood of future departures in that area, and their ability to fund a relatively low-cost move make this a rumour with genuine substance rather than idle speculation.
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