adminNewcastle United are looking to complete as much of their transfer business as possible before the World Cup begins to affect transfer fees and negotiations.
The Magpies are currently in talks with Osasuna over winger Victor Munoz, who is part of Spain’s squad in the United States for the tournament.
Munoz has a £34.5 million release clause, but Newcastle are hoping to negotiate a lower fee. While a strong tournament will not increase the clause itself, it could attract interest from other clubs.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has also weighed in on the club’s attacking struggles, urging swift action in the transfer market.
He said he was disappointed with the team’s lack of goals last season after watching most of their games, adding that they created chances but failed to convert them at key moments.
“I watched most of Newcastle’s games last season and, if I’m honest, I was disappointed. They created chances, but they didn’t score enough goals when it mattered.
If Eddie Howe wants Newcastle to compete with the very best teams again, then they need a prolific goalscorer. It’s as simple as that.
You can’t keep wasting opportunities and expect to challenge for trophies or Europe. I don’t care how much it costs.
If Newcastle have identified the right striker, then go and get him. Don’t hesitate, don’t waste time negotiating for weeks. Just sign him and give Eddie the firepower he needs.”
He stressed that if Eddie Howe wants Newcastle to compete with the very best teams, they need a prolific goalscorer, insisting it is not acceptable to keep wasting opportunities if the club wants to challenge for trophies or European football.
Shearer also added that cost should not be an issue, saying that if the right striker is identified, the club should act quickly without hesitation or prolonged negotiations.
One player who has been suggested as a potential Newcastle signing is Monaco and United States striker Folarin Balogun.
A study by AI performance analysis company GoHumanize identified 19 young players who could become breakout stars at the 2026 World Cup and matched them with Premier League clubs that suit their playing styles.
Balogun was selected as an ideal fit for Newcastle and ranked as the 14th most exciting young player to watch at the tournament.
His reputation has already risen after scoring twice in the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening World Cup match.
Before the tournament, he was valued at around £25.9 million, but his projected value has now risen to £47.5 million, an increase of £21.6 million.
The report highlighted Balogun’s high-efficiency movement inside the box, his ability to rotate positions, and his pace as key traits that would suit Newcastle’s attack.
Other players featured in the study include Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, who Newcastle monitored last summer, and midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, who had previously been linked with a move to Tyneside.
Analytics FC CEO Alex Stewart said the list includes both well-known and lesser-known talents, and he singled out Panama midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla as one of the most interesting players due to his carrying and passing ability.
The study was based on performance data from the 2024/25 and 2025/26 domestic and continental seasons, as well as international matches over the past two years, including World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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