Report: Newcastle United could sign transfer target for just £15m | OneFootball

Newcastle track transfer value in 2026 planning

Newcastle’s recruitment department is already shaping plans for the 2026 windows, according to The Chronicle, with Ross Wilson confirming that extensive scouting activity is well under way. That forward thinking speaks to a club emerging from reactive buying into something far more deliberate, targeting youthful profiles capable of growing into Premier League regulars rather than arriving fully formed.

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One name gaining traction is Hungarian midfielder Alex Toth, the 20 year old who has impressed across domestic and European competition with Ferencváros. With nine international caps already on his CV and 51 senior appearances for his club, including notable Europa League displays, Toth represents the sort of calculated gamble Newcastle have increasingly explored.

Profile of Alex Toth

Toth’s appeal lies in versatility. Comfortable as a No 6 or No 8, he fits a positional need within Eddie Howe’s system while also offering developmental upside. The Chronicle suggests he could cost “as little as £15m”, a comparatively modest fee for a player under contract until 2027, although Ferencváros maintain leverage over any negotiations. Comparisons have been drawn with Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai, a player Newcastle themselves admired before he opted for Merseyside in 2023.

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There is increasing expectation that a new contract may be discussed in Hungary. However, with his agent aware of growing European interest and Juventus tracking developments, Toth appears destined for a step into a larger arena.

Recruitment vision under Howe

This pursuit illustrates Newcastle’s strategic shift. Young, technically refined players are being prioritised to challenge the established starting group while preserving resale value and sporting sustainability. Whether Toth becomes the immediate target or simply part of a broader market education, the message remains consistent, Newcastle intend to act early rather than chase inflated valuation battles.

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Toth at around £15m feels exactly the sort of deal Newcastle supporters crave, low risk relative to Premier League spending, high upside if the comparisons to Szoboszlai even partially hold true. Most importantly, it shows ambition without recklessness. They aren’t looking for galácticos, but for hungry talents who can grow with the club.

The notion that Juventus are circling only heightens the intrigue. Competing with established European giants rather than shopping below their station feels like tangible progress. It’s also refreshing to see signings aimed at genuine competition for places rather than squad fillers who merely pad out the bench.

If this is what the 2026 window might resemble, carefully plotted, youthful investment with clear tactical purpose, then the future feels genuinely bright. Newcastle building properly, step by step, could be even more thrilling than rapid splurges. This feels like the blueprint of a serious football club returning to continental relevance.