Newcastle United sign Bundesliga winner and £63m Wolves star in dream XI - if new transfer rumours are true

Newcastle United remain on course for Champions League qualification and are on the brink of recording arguably one of their best seasons in a century.

The Magpies were restricted in terms of incomings over the summer but have still taken their game to a new level under the stewardship of Eddie Howe by winning their first piece of domestic silverware in 70 years while also catapulting themselves back into the Champions League race with a run of 14 wins, one draw and just five defeats since 14 December - the most of any team in the division in this period.

With a domestic honour already in the bag for the Magpies, Champions League qualification would arguably mark the club’s best season since being crowned top-flight champions in the 1926/27 season, 98 years ago.

The boost of securing a place at Europe’s elite table would also leave the Magpies in a strong position to keep hold of some of their prized assets such as Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali while also adding a few more big names to their group in the summer window after a subdued 18 months on the transfer front.

The words PSR and FFP are less likely to be thrown around as frequently this summer after the sales of Yankuba Minteh, Elliot Anderson, Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron among others, leaving the club in a healthy position to be the hunter rather than the prey when it comes to transfer activity this summer.

With that in mind, we take a look at what Newcastle’s dream XI for the 2025/26 season could look like if the latest rumours do materialise.

Goalkeeper and defence

GK: James Trafford - signed from Burnley: Despite Burnley’s promotion back into the big time, Newcastle remain interested in securing a deal for a goalkeeper they tried to bring to Tyneside last summer. Trafford conceded just 16 goals in 45 games while keeping 29 clean sheets in the process at Championship level.

RB: Tino Livramento: Former Southampton defender Tino Livramento has took his game to new heights during his second season on Tyneside. Capable of playing on either the left or right, Livramento looks to be a shoe-in for England’s 2026 World Cup squad based on his current trajectory.

CB: Jonathan Tah - signed from Bayer Leverkusen: Newcastle have been linked with plenty of centre backs this summer but a potentially cost effective signing could be soon-to-be out-of-contract Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah. The German international, who helped Xabi Alonso’s side to a league and cup double while going unbeaten, is the subject of interest from Newcastle, according to recent reports.

CB: Fabian Schar: The former Swiss international is ageing like a fine wine and is blessed with incredible passing range, defensive awareness and the ability to strike the ball from distance. However, he faces tough competition from Geordie cup hero Dan Burn and Sven Botman once he returns to full fitness.

LB: Lewis Hall: Another player to keep an eye on ahead of the World Cup in 2026. Former Chelsea star Lewis Hall has enjoyed a sensational breakout campaign this term and is blessed with terrific ability to bomb forward and create chances for his teammates.

Midfield and attack

CM: Bruno Guimaraes: The Brazilian international has played a pivotal role in helping Newcastle climb from relegation strugglers to Champions League contenders. He’s the club captain and is blessed with unique qualities which make him a real handful to play against in the middle of the park.

CM: Sandro Tonali: Arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the division this season. Newcastle fans had to wait a while to see the best of Sandro Tonali after his suspension last term, but he’s more than made up for it this year with a series of outstanding displays.

CAM: Matheus Cunha - signed from Wolves: Newcastle are believed to be considering a blockbuster move for Wolves star Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian would fit in nicely with Guimaraes and Joelinton, who he plays with at international level, and is blessed with great individual qualities which can change games. The in-form star has a release clause of £63m which the Magpies could look to try and activate, according to reports from Mail Sport.

RW: Bryan Mbeumo - signed from Brentford: Newcastle haven’t signed a winger since 2019 and though Jacob Murphy’s been in stunning form this season, it’s likely they’ll want to add more quality to that area. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo seems a perfect match for Newcastle after scoring 18 and contributing six assists this term. He’s valued at around £60m and Newcastle are thought to be one of the frontrunners.

ST: Alexander Isak: Swedish international Alexander Isak wrote his name into the history books after scoring the winner against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and is now widely considered one of the very best forwards on the planet. He’s struck 27 goals across all competitions this term and is likely to be a huge player again next term.

LW: Anthony Gordon: The former Everton ace has not quite matched the numbers he registered in his first full season on Tyneside but remains one of England’s finest left-wingers. He’ll have ambitions of usurping Harvey Barnes in the pecking order with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

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