Newcastle United Ready To Spend €70 Million For This Midfielder: Is He Worth It? | OneFootball

The hunger to strengthen their squad remains strong at Newcastle United, especially after a mixed start to the campaign. Manager Eddie Howe continues to deal with injuries and squad rotations, but the club’s determination to bring in more firepower still dominates discussions at St James’ Park. Reports from Spain suggest their eyes have now turned to Oihan Sancet, a name that has already generated plenty of intrigue in La Liga.

According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are ready to step into the January transfer market with a bold proposal worth €70 million for the Athletic Club star. At 25, Sancet offers both experience and has age on his side. He is already established in Spain’s top division and is now entering his peak years.

Athletic Bilbao, however, hold a strong hand in negotiations. His contract reportedly runs until 2032, and his release clause stands at €80 million, leaving the Basque side under no pressure to sell. Los Leones will only negotiate on their own terms, which makes Newcastle’s pursuit very difficult. Still, the Magpies’ ambition to recruit another versatile attacker speaks volumes about their intent, especially with European football in mind.

Is Sancet worth the risk for Newcastle United?

BILBAO, SPAIN – AUGUST 25: Oihan Sancet of Athletic Club celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty-spot during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Estadio de San Mames on August 25, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The reported €70 million bid makes many question Newcastle’s priorities and the player’s value. Oihan Sancet scored 15 goals last season in La Liga, a return that displayed his attacking intelligence and versatility. He can play as a central midfielder, second striker, or in wider roles when needed. For Newcastle United, who crave more creativity and goals from midfield, such a player could become central to Howe’s project. Yet the numbers involved are eye-catching, and so are the risks.

Persistent ankle and hamstring injuries have slowed Sancet’s progress and raised doubts about his durability in a full Premier League season. Moreover, Newcastle already have significant investment tied up in recent recruits, and areas beyond attacking midfield might need attention. That reality makes the €70 million outlay hard to justify unless Howe believes Sancet can change the team’s play. Athletic Bilbao strengthened their position with the €80 million release clause, which adds another obstacle.

For context, we reported earlier that Howe said Livramento could return in six to eight weeks, likely against Manchester City on November 22, a reminder of how important squad depth is for Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Magpies now plan to hold talks with Bruno Guimaraes over a new deal, another significant step in shaping their long-term project. In this context, signing Sancet could send a strong message, but Newcastle must believe his talent is worth the financial gamble.