Newcastle United Swoop For This AC Milan Midfielder: Right Move For The Magpies? | OneFootball

Newcastle United have reportedly initiated contact regarding a potential transfer for AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Graeme Bailey broke the story this week. He states that intermediaries are currently discussing a possible loan move to bring the former Chelsea man back to the Premier League.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the Radar of Newcastle United

The 29-year-old midfielder possesses 11 England caps. He has reached a career crossroads in Italy. The midfielder has shown moments of brilliance during his stint at the San Siro. However, he has struggled for regular game time recently. This has sparked talk of an early exit.

Eddie Howe’s side appear keen to exploit this uncertainty. The report suggests that Newcastle United have formally inquired about the conditions to secure Loftus-Cheek’s services. They want to make a move before the January window slams shut.

Milan seemingly remain open to negotiations. The Italian side are willing to deal, provided the terms suit their financial requirements. Loftus-Cheek’s career has often frustrated pundits and fans alike. He boasts immense physical gifts and technical ability.

However, the 29-year-old has frequently dealt with nagging injuries and never really found a settled position. Managers have deployed him as a defensive shield, a box-to-box engine, and even a wide target man. This has stopped the Englishman from truly mastering one specific role. Still, the Magpies view his Premier League experience as a massive plus for their thinned-out squad.

A Risky Gamble or Masterstroke?

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Artemio Franchi on January 11, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Eddie Howe must compare the clear benefits against the obvious risks. On paper, Loftus-Cheek provides an immediate upgrade in physical presence and ball-carrying ability. Newcastle’s midfield is crying out for these traits during their current injury crisis.

The Englishman’s ability to drive through central areas could take some of the pressure off Bruno Guimarães. It would also give the Toon attack a different look. On top of that, a loan deal limits the long-term financial risk. It gives the club a chance to check his fitness before they commit any real money.

Even so, many will doubt the logic behind the move. Newcastle’s treatment room is already full of players with patchy fitness records. Adding another injury-prone star feels like a step backwards. Fans might argue the club should go for younger, more durable talent instead of trying to restart the career of a player nearly in his thirties.

Loftus-Cheek is more naturally gifted, but availability is everything in a tough Premier League season. The medical team has to be sure about his durability. Without that, this move feels more like the desperate, quick fixes of the Mike Ashley years. It doesn’t fit the smart, long-term planning fans expect from the current owners. The club need to be very careful here.