Newcastle United Enter Intense Scramble For This La Liga Defender: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Magpies? | OneFootball

Fresh reports emerging from Spain say that Newcastle United have jumped straight into a crowded race to sign Celta Vigo’s versatile defender, Óscar Mingueza. According to Spanish outlet AS, the Magpies hold a sustained interest in the 26-year-old.

Newcastle United Enter Intense Scramble for La Liga Defender

They join a host of European clubs keeping a close eye on him. This link is not entirely new. AS earlier highlighted, the player’s growing popularity. At that time, they named Newcastle alongside West Ham United and Aston Villa as keen admirers.

Unai Emery’s Villa reportedly explored a move last year but failed to finalise a deal. This has left the door ajar for other suitors to pounce this winter or in the upcoming summer window. Current circumstances at Celta Vigo add urgency to these rumours.

Mingueza has entered the final year of his contract. This detail naturally alerts sporting directors across the continent. Celta’s sporting director, Marco Garcés, has publicly expressed a desire to extend Mingueza’s stay at the Balaídos. However, no agreement has been reached yet.

The player himself recently claimed he feels content with life in Vigo, but his unresolved future fuels speculation. Recent updates have made the list of interested parties much longer. Heavyweights such as Juventus, Liverpool, Atalanta, and AC Milan are now reportedly circling. So, Newcastle United must move fast if they wish to secure the former Barcelona man. AS confirms that all mentioned clubs have already made approaches to either the player’s agent or Celta Vigo directly.

Can Eddie Howe Lure Mingueza to Tyneside?

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 07: Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo inspects the pitch prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 07, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Looking at Newcastle’s realistic prospects, the transfer makes a lot of sense. The pull of Champions League regulars like Liverpool or Juventus is a big challenge. However, the Magpies offer a clear pathway to first-team football that other giants might not guarantee.

Eddie Howe’s tactical system relies heavily on technically gifted, versatile defenders who operate comfortably in possession. Mingueza fits this profile perfectly. The Spaniard is primarily a right-back but possesses the technical quality to play as a central defender. He can even drift into midfield areas. Howe cherishes this trait in players like Fabian Schär and Kieran Trippier.

Also, the timing seems perfect for Newcastle following recent injury setbacks within their defensive ranks. Tino Livramento is facing a spell on the sidelines, so Howe needs immediate cover. Mingueza offers a cost-effective solution given his contract status. Celta Vigo might prefer a reduced fee now rather than losing him for nothing later.

This potentially lowers the asking price to a range where the Magpies can use their money without breaching sustainability rules. If Howe can convince Mingueza that St James’ Park is the ideal stage for his prime years, the Magpies stand a genuine chance. They could beat their illustrious competitors to his signature.