Newcastle summer transfer window 2025: Top targets, budget, most likely signings and priority positions

Newcastle United fans will still be celebrating a fantastic 2024-25 campaign, during which the Magpies lifted their first major domestic trophy since 1955 and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in the last three seasons.

However, there is little time for celebration for those handling Newcastle's transfer dealings, as Eddie Howe's squad must be strengthened if they are to avoid a repeat of their 2023-24 Champions League group-stage exit and instead advance deeper into the competition.

Newcastle's starting lineup certainly has the quality to compete on multiple fronts, but reinforcing key areas and improving squad depth could prove crucial in solidifying their place among England and Europe's elite teams.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at Newcastle United's 2025 summer transfer window, including their top targets, priority positions, budget and most likely signings.

Newcastle's top targets for 2025 summer transfer window

Despite having the allure of Champions League football and proving they are capable of winning trophies against the best, the Toon have so far found it difficult to attract some of their top targets.

The Magpies were extremely keen to sign Marc Guehi last summer, with several bids knocked back by Crystal Palace, but it looks as if Liverpool have jumped ahead of them in the race to sign the England international.

Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini has emerged as a possible candidate to reinforce the club's defence, though any potential deal could cost in excess of £40m.

Howe has also been keen to bolster his goalkeeping department, but while Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford has been on the Magpies' shortlist, his former side Manchester City have been reported as being interested in triggering their buy-back option.

The 22-year-old played a key role in the Clarets' promotion back to the Premier League, recording a remarkable 29 clean sheets in 45 league games while conceding just 16 goals, and Newcastle could have to pay close to £40m if they are to beat City.

At the other end of the pitch, there had been suggestions that Newcastle had tried to sign the likes of Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Hugo Ekitike, but the former has signed for Chelsea, and the latter two are said to be close to moving to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

News stories have claimed that Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has become a target for the Toon, but it remains to be seen if the sale of his teammate Mbeumo will have any impact on whether the Bees are willing to do business for the attacker.

The Magpies have at least managed to secure the services of Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga after several rejected bids, with the Sweden international arriving at St James' Park in a deal worth up to £55m.

Newcastle budget for 2025 summer transfer window

It is no secret that Newcastle United boast some of the wealthiest owners in world football, and Magpies fans are hopeful that the club will flex their financial muscles in the 2025 summer transfer window.

Newcastle are sure to have learnt their lesson from their last Champions League appearance, when a series of injuries played a hand in their group stage exit, and the Magpies will look to strengthen their squad in order to avoid a repeat of that scenario in 2025-26.

Qualifying for the Champions League has certainly increased their flexibility in the market, while a profit in last year's summer transfer window furthers their ability to spend this time round.

However, the only player that has been bought by the Toon has been Elanga, and Howe has publicly aired his frustration at the slow nature of the team's transfer business.

Newcastle's most likely signings for 2025 summer transfer window

Newcastle are not expected to face significant competition for Scalvini, and after seemingly missing out on Guehi, they will want to wrap up a deal for the Italian.

It is difficult to see Trafford joining if Manchester City seriously enter the race for his signature, but after spending so long pursuing the Englishman, it would be a blow to lose him to Pep Guardiola's side.

With Wilson leaving, Newcastle are expected to enter the striker market in the summer for a backup to the prolific Alexander Isak, and having missed out on Liam Delap - with the striker becoming a Chelsea player - Newcastle are likely to pursue Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, as the striker's Everton contract has expired.

Calvert-Lewin only managed three Premier League goals for Everton during the 2024-25 campaign, but he was once regarded as one of the most dangerous forwards in the top flight of English football.

It is not difficult to understand why Newcastle would be keen on a player of Calvert-Lewin's ilk, as he is only 28 and should have a lot of football ahead of him, providing that injuries do not take their toll.

Newcastle's priority positions for 2025 summer transfer window

As Newcastle decided not to hand Wilson a new contract and with Isak suffering fairly consistent injury issues throughout his career thus far, the striker position is set to be high up on the Magpies' shopping list.

Murphy may have enjoyed a fruitful campaign on the right wing, but that position is often perceived to be the weakest point of their attack, and Newcastle are likely to strengthen in that area in the summer.

Kieran Trippier has been linked with a potential summer move away from Newcastle, and while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have proven themselves as more-than-capable starters, the Magpies would still require a rotational full-back option.

Centre-backs Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have excelled at the club, but both are 33 and they may need to be phased out of the team at some point in the near future.

Written by
Ellis Stevens