Newcastle eyeing Wirtz and two January signings as centre-back plans are shelved

Newcastle United is expressing significant interest in Bayer Leverkusen standout Florian Wirtz. However, securing a move for the talented German player in January may pose challenges. Wirtz, a coveted target for the club in 2024, could command a transfer fee exceeding £50 million.

Despite the club’s eagerness to acquire Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen, currently leading the Bundesliga, is in no hurry to part ways with the 20-year-old midfielder, who has already amassed six goals and 10 assists this season. Consequently, any potential transfer for Wirtz may need to be postponed until the summer.

In the upcoming January transfer window, Newcastle aims to make at least two new signings. The top priority is securing a loan move for Kalvin Phillips, a 27-year-old midfielder. Phillips, keen on joining Newcastle, is favored by manager Eddie Howe, who values the player’s potential contributions to the team’s performance in the latter half of the season, enhancing his chances for Euro 2024. Despite concerns about Phillips’ injury history, he is seen as a suitable short-term replacement for Sandro Tonali, offering an alternative in the holding role where the team has relied heavily on Bruno Guimaraes.

While a center-back was a primary target last summer, recent performances by Tino Livramento at left-back have allowed Dan Bun to provide cover in the middle. Additionally, Jamaal Lascelles’ performances in the absence of Sven Botman have reduced the immediate need for another defensive option. Instead, the club is anticipated to secure a top center-back next summer, with a focus on a younger player who can compete with Fabian Schar and serve as Sven Botman’s long-term partner. This pursuit aligns with the continued interest in Florian Wirtz, adding excitement to the club’s plans for the upcoming transfer windows.