Sports
Newcastle now leading Juventus in race to sign “excellent” Serie A defender
Newcastle United are now in pole position to sign an impressive central defender ahead of Serie A giants Juventus, according to recent reports.
Newcastle “playing the atmosphere” vs Sunderland, says Howe
It doesn’t get bigger than the Tyne-Wear derby this weekend. Newcastle are set to travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League for the first time since 2016 and they’ll be looking to ground the high-flying Black Cats in statement fashion.
The goals have finally returned for Eddie Howe‘s side in recent weeks, but they’ve remained fragile in the other direction – conceding a late equaliser against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek. In any derby, however, form goes out the window. Instead, Howe admitted that his side will be “playing the atmosphere”.
“If you don’t get the arousal levels right and you hype it up too much or hype the players up too much, we can go out and then not perform because we’re overthinking things. We’re not playing the game.
“We’re playing the atmosphere. You need cool heads. But you also need to have the fire in there. If the fire’s not there in this type of game, then you’re not going to perform either. So it’s a balancing act and trying to get the players in the right frame of mind.”
As if the Magpies needed any extra motivation, they have the chance to move above Sunderland and potentially into the top six if they secure victory and other results go their way. It could be the perfect turning point for their Premier League campaign.
Defeat, meanwhile, would once again expose just how much work Newcastle have got to do in the January transfer window, whether it’s welcoming a midfield star or turning towards Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Newcastle leading race to sign Tarik Muharemovic
According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Muharemovic ahead of Juventus in 2026. The central defender has consistently impressed in Italy this season and has been closely monitored by scouts from both St James’ Park and the San Siro, courtesy of Inter Milan.
Standing at 6’2, Muharemovic could provide Howe with a replacement for the injury-prone Sven Botman alongside Malick Thiaw, who has thrived since arriving in the summer.
|
League stats 25/26 |
Muharemovic |
Thiaw |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
990 |
993 |
|
Progressive Passes |
36 |
50 |
|
Tackles Won |
8 |
10 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
35 |
45 |
At 22 years old, the Sassuolo star is yet to reach the peak of his powers and Newcastle have the chance to swoop in early to land what would be an impressive addition.
Dubbed an “excellent left-footed centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Muharemovic seems to have the world at his feet ahead of 2026. Both Juventus and Inter are chasing his signature, but the Premier League could be awaiting.
Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Howe must drop Newcastle man who won 2 duels
Eddie Howe must now drop this Newcastle United star ahead of this weekend’s hotly anticipated Tyne-Wear Derby.
Following the success of Thiaw, it’s also no surprise that Newcastle decided to send their scouts back to Serie A and towards the Sassuolo man in an attempt to repeat their transfer genius.
