Newcastle United are looking to reinforce their backline, and they have their eyes set on Oscar Mingueza. The Magpies could look to sign him on a cut-price deal in the winter window or wait until the summer, when he could be available for free.
But, according to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, the move depends on one key factor, which is Eddie Howe’s position at the Tyneside club. The Barcelona graduate could reject advances from the Magpies if he feels unsure about who will be in charge of the Premier League club in the long run.
Oscar Mingueza came up the ranks at La Masia, and he was a part of the Barcelona first team for around two years before joining Celta Vigo in the summer of 2022. The 26-year-old right-back has been an integral part of their setup over the years.
While Oscar Mingueza prefers playing out wide on the flank, he is capable enough to feature in the heart of the defence as well as in the centre of the park. The versatile Spanish defender’s consistent performances, along with his versatility, have put him on the radar of multiple English clubs.
Aston Villa were keen on signing him during the summer, but the move did not go through. While Mingueza remained at the Galician club, his future remains up in the air with his contract running out at the end of the season.
Celta Vigo do not want to lose out on him for free; as a result, they are considering sanctioning his departure in the winter window, and Newcastle United have emerged as a potential destination for the full-back.
While speaking about Mingueza’s situation, O’Rourke said, “I think he’s a player that a lot of clubs would be looking at, especially with his situation [being] out of contract next summer. So, they [Newcastle] could land a talented player on a free transfer or even potentially try and sign him for a cut-price deal in January if Celta Vigo do decide that could be their last chance to cash in.
“On Mingueza, the key thing for Mingueza is his versatility. He’s capable of playing at centre-back, full-back and also in midfield as well. So that’s what makes him such an attractive proposition.”
The Magpies want more quality and depth at the back, and Mingueza could certainly help their cause. With Emil Krafth likely to leave the Tyneside club at the end of the season, the Spanish defender could be an ideal replacement for him.
Mingueza’s ability to feature in the heart of the defence as well as the midfield could be an added bonus for Howe. While he is certainly a very attractive option for the Tyneside club, Mingueza will only make the move if he is sure that Howe is under no pressure to lose his job.
