Newcastle dream 2026/27 squad as two forwards sign and defensive duo land

The Magpies are currently languishing in 14th place after losing their past four games in all competitions. Their last Premier League win came on March 14, and with title challengers Arsenal up this weekend, they have their hands full to get back to winning ways.

Howe has been under extreme pressure, with the Carabao Cup victory last season a distant memory for some people as the squad continues to underperform. His future is set to be discussed in a meeting with PIF chiefs next week.

Here, Chronicle Live has detailed where the Magpies could improve upon for the 2026/27 season as the summer transfer window fast approaches.

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Newcastle may already be resigned to losing Anthony Gordon in the summer, after The Times claimed that they would be open to selling the England international. Sky Sports reports that Bayern Munich are interested in the winger and that Gordon is keen on a move to Germany after being impressed by Michael Olise's rise.

Newcastle are targeting several forwards, including Porto's William Gomes. The 20-year-old has been impressing in Portugal's top flight this year, scoring 13 times and averaging a goal every 139 minutes of action.

The winger has been compared to former Liverpool star Luis Diaz, with his explosive power and skill catching the eye. Reports claim that a fee of around £43m would be enough to confirm a deal.

While Newcastle will need at least one wide player, they will also be in the market for a central striker after the way last summer's signings have worked out. They spent £124m on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but right now neither can get in the team ahead of the raw William Osula or Gordon, who has also been selected as the No 9 rather than the highly-priced duo.

Newcastle need to sort the striker situation out and will be in the market for another frontman. That could see them return to Chelsea for two players who they looked at last summer.

Liam Delap held talks with Newcastle before opting to join Chelsea for £30m. That meant that Nicolas Jackson was shown the door by the Blues, joining Bayern Munich on loan. But despite nine goals, he has only started 12 times and Bayern won't be activating the clause to make the deal permanent.

Delap and Jackson both face an uncertain summer again and Newcastle could make a move for either of the duo. A pairing of Gomes and Jackson - a rising prospect and an established star - could be just what Newcastle need to kickstart a new campaign.

Newcastle could dip into the Portuguese league again in one window to boost their defence. Ousmane Diomande has been impressing for Sporting CP this season and has already been on the radar of major Premier League sides.

His performances against Arsenal in the Champions League, especially, caught the eye of potential suitors. A Bola reports that Newcastle and Manchester United are both keen on the 22-year-old.

Despite being so young, Diomande already has over 120 appearances for Sporting and has proven he can perform at a high level in Europe.

The centre-half has a contract in Portugal until 2030, and a release clause of around £69m. Despite this high fee, Sporting are understood to be open to selling for around £43m if required.

Diomande is also expected to be part of the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming World Cup. If he does well on football's biggest stage, then Newcastle may have to be quick to secure their target.

Eddie Howe has chopped and changed throughout the season, with both Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale at various points being selected, then axed. Neither are likely to be the No 1 next season.

The Magpies have been watching a number of keepers across Europe but remain keen on James Trafford who turned them down in the summer to join Man City from Burnley. Trafford looks set to be on his way again in a couple of months, but his price tag and wage salary could be out of Newcastle's reach now.

Instead, they've been looking at Carl Rushworth, on loan at Coventry City from Brighton. The 24-year-old has impressed in the Championship and could be the one for Newcastle at a smaller fee.

South American sensation Eduardo Conceicao is another potential target for Newcastle. The youngster is just 16, but has caught the attention of La Liga giants Barcelona.

Conceicao has eight goal contributions in 13 games for Palmeiras. The attacking midfielder will not be able to make an official transfer until he turns 18 in 2028.

Despite this, clubs are already able to agree on an advanced deal, and TeamTalk reports that Newcastle are in talks. Chelsea followed this route to sign Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, and he is currently shining at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle may follow in their Premier League rivals' footsteps and potentially unearth a new hero at St James' Park.

Rushworth; Livramento, Diomande, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Elanga, Gomes, Jackson

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