Published Jun 9, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

However, the 48-year-old will undoubtedly have pressure on him from the first game of the new season, with the side desperately needing to hit the ground running.

If his men are to make a positive stride next season, new additions could be needed at St James’ Park to help freshen up the squad and push them back in the right direction.

Despite the window not opening for another week, the Magpies have already been linked with a whole host of top-level talents to help Howe brush off any lingering doubts over his own future.

Newcastle enter talks to sign leading European stars

As part of the summer recruitment drive at St James’ Park, numerous areas of the Newcastle senior ranks could be bolstered ahead of the new campaign.

The attacking department is just one area on the agenda, with Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez one player who’s currently being considered by the hierarchy at present.

It’s been reported that the Magpies have been in talks with the player’s representatives after it was confirmed that a mutual termination had been agreed between the player and the Saudi outfit.

The midfield department is another part of the squad which could be improved in the months ahead, with Barcelona star Marc Casado named as one transfer target.

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have already entered talks with the Spanish club over the possibility of a deal to secure the 22-year-old’s signature.

The report also states that French side Monaco are leading the race for his signature, but numerous Premier League sides, including Howe’s men, are still fighting for his services.

A fee of just £25m could be required to land the Spanish international who has been allowed to depart Hansi Flick’s men, if the current asking price is met.

Why Casado would he Howe’s next Tonali at Newcastle

If Newcastle are to push for Europe once again next season, additions are certainly needed, but departures may take place after the club’s failure to finish in the division’s top eight places.

Midfielder Sandro Tonali is one player who could depart Tyneside in the months ahead, with the Italian international one player who’s being chased by other Premier League clubs at present.

The 26-year-old is on the shortlist of Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of the summer window, with an £80m asking price being placed on his head.

Howe and the supporters will no doubt want to lose one of the Magpies’ star men this window, but the lack of European football could see the club be resigned to losing Tonali.

Replacing the Italian with a like for like addition could prove to be tricky this summer, but a move for Casado in the long-term could be the perfect solution to any departure.

The 22-year-old doesn’t currently have the top-level experience of the sought-after Magpies star, but he does have a huge amount of potential to fulfil in his career.

The Barcelona star has risen through the iconic La Masia academy, subsequently making 75 senior appearances - but has fallen down the pecking order in recent months.

However, his stats from the most recent season in LaLiga highlight his quality at both ends of the pitch - something which Tonali has done in abundance on Tyneside.

Casado managed to complete 91% of his passes during the 2025/26 campaign, whilst creating 1.3 chances per 90 - numbers which demonstrate his talent with the ball at his feet.

Such numbers are extremely to those produced by the Italian in recent months, with Casado able to step up to the plate and fill any hole should the current Magpies star be offloaded.

Without the ball, the Spaniard also excelled, subsequently making 1.7 tackles and 3.8 ball recoveries per 90 - leading to one analyst labelling him as “one of the best midfielders in Europe.”

The aforementioned figures are evidence of his excellent box-to-box nature, but he still has a lot of developing to go before he can reach the levels of Tonali.

At just £25m, a deal for Casado would be an excellent piece of business for the Magpies and one that could be a phenomenal investment should he reach his full potential.

Howe has showcased during his time as Newcastle boss that he can take players' careers to the next level and the Spaniard will be hoping he can thrive under the manager’s guidance.

Losing Tonali will be a huge blow to the boss’ plans next term, but it could be a blessing in disguise if such a move allows the hierarchy to make a move for Casado.