The bold £17m transfer hijack Newcastle United could make to snatch Brazilian champions' gem

Newcastle United may look to the January transfer window as an opportunity to refresh Eddie Howe’s squad after a mixed 2025/26 campaign for the Magpies.

The North East giants sit 11th in the Premier League table after 17 matches and that is probably an accurate representation of how their season has gone so far, with six victories, six defeats and a goal difference of plus one.

Defeat by a single goal in the Tyne-Wear derby at Sunderland compounded the Magpies’ challenging start, as record signing Nick Woltemade scored an own goal on his derby debut to decide the outcome. The German appeared to be forgiven as he scored twice in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, but the belief still remains that he could do with some extra help in attacking positions.

Yoane Wissa has recently made his long-awaited Newcastle debut following injury and will hope to rediscover the form which earnt him a big move from Brentford, while other attacking targets are being assessed ahead of the winter window.

Newcastle ‘reference’ as opening bid for £17m target submitted

Reported by Sport Witness, Newcastle have been given a ‘clear market signal’ in their pursuit of Flamengo attacking midfielder Jorge Carrascal, with Marseille making an opening bid for the Colombia international.

Brazilian journalist Pablo Oliveira reports that the French giants have offered between €14m and €15m guaranteed for the 27-year-old, plus bonuses depending on performance. The bid has been ‘discussed’ during meetings between the two clubs, but with ‘no indication’ that the Brazilian champions are set to accept those terms.

Flamengo are reported to value Carrascal at €19m (£17m) and are currently not believed to be willing to negotiate under this fee, which offers Newcastle the perfect opportunity to stage a transfer hijack to secure his signing.

The Magpies are also reported to have shown interest in Carrascal, who has scored two goals and assisted five times in 16 Brazilian Série A matches in 2025 and often operates from either the No.10 or a wide right position, the latter of which has seen £55m signing Anthony Elanga flatter to deceive so far this term.

Carrascal remains under contract until June 2029 and Flamengo are said to be ‘cautious in talks’, noting the 21-cap Colombia international’s role in their recent Série A and Copa Libertadores triumphs. Newcastle have yet to submit a formal bid, so it remains to be seen how the situation develops in January.

Magpies could have major business ahead in January

Newcastle have been linked with several big-name stars ahead of January, and this latest news only adds to the sense that the Magpies are seriously looking to strengthen their squad ahead of an important spring both in the Premier League and Champions League.

Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has been linked with Newcastle alongside Manchester United, while the Magpies have been touted to move for Real Betis midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

Unlike the above names, Carrascal has no previous experience playing in England, with his only experience in Europe coming in Ukraine, Russia and Spain’s Segunda División. While this could appear a risky purchase on face value, the Colombian is a regular contributor of goals who could feature in a variety of attacking positions across competitions.

The competition from Marseille reflects the reputation Carrascal has forged in Europe, and his next move could be a big one if he is to depart Brazil.