adminEddie Howe has a big job to do at Newcastle United this summer as he tries to fix the issues from a disappointing season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
It has been a difficult year for Newcastle, who are used to competing in Europe and fighting for trophies under Howe. Finishing 12th in the Premier League shows a clear decline, which started after a poor transfer window last summer, when the club failed to land key targets and later lost their star player Alexander Isak.
Now Newcastle are trying to rebuild again. The club has already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69m, and replacing him properly could shape the next stage of the project on Tyneside.
With Gordon gone, Newcastle’s recruitment team are looking for a strong replacement. One of their targets is Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz, who has impressed in Spain and is closer to join Newcastle United.
La Liga expert Phil Minshull has described Muñoz as “one of the pearls of Spanish football,” praising his strength, stamina, and style that could suit the Premier League. However, Newcastle have not yet made a final decision on him.
Because of that uncertainty after full agreement, the club are also looking at other options.
According to reports, Newcastle have entered the race for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who could leave Anfield following changes at the club after Arne Slot’s exit earlier this month.
Tottenham Hotspur are also interested and are preparing a bid worth around €70m (£60m), while Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation.
Talks are expected after Gakpo’s involvement in the World Cup.
Gakpo is not exactly like Gordon. He is less explosive and not as quick, but he is more consistent in front of goal and brings a strong all-round attacking game.
Former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders once praised his “special skillset.”
Since joining Liverpool from PSV, Gakpo has scored 50 goals and provided 23 assists in 180 appearances. He can play on the left wing or as a central striker, making him flexible and useful in different systems.
In the Premier League this season, both Gakpo and Gordon have had mixed performances, but still shown enough quality to attract interest from top clubs.
2025/26 Premier League comparison (key stats)
Matches: Gakpo 36 (32 starts), Gordon 26 (24 starts)
Goals + assists: Gakpo 7 + 5, Gordon 6 + 2
Big chances created: Gakpo 10, Gordon 5
Pass accuracy: Gakpo 79%, Gordon 82%
Dribbles: Gakpo 0.9 per 90, Gordon 1.3 per 90
Tackles + interceptions: Gakpo 1.2, Gordon 0.8
Gakpo also played a key role in Liverpool’s title-winning season before, scoring 18 goals and providing 7 assists in all competitions.
Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season, he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in the Premier League and could become a key signing for a rebuilding Newcastle side.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
