Soccer Football - Serie A - Udinese v Atalanta - Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy - January 11, 2025 Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini in action REUTERS/Matteo Gribaudi
Newcastle are expected to have a busy summer transfer window after qualifying for Champions League football next season, but are yet to make a first-team signing.
The Magpies have just completed one of their most successful campaigns in decades, and Eddie Howe will be keen to build upon the club’s outstanding progression over the last three years.
Due to PSR restrictions, Newcastle have had their finances massively limited over the last two years, but should now be in the clear to make some impactful signings to boost the team’s chances of earning more silverware and consistently competing in Europe too.
It has been widely reported that the club have prioritised the signings of a right winger, striker, goalkeeper and centre-back this summer, to bolster the quality at both ends of the pitch.
Newcastle had a very public back-and-forth with Crystal Palace over their captain Marc Guehi last year, but refused to meet the asking price for the defender and consequently missed out on the signing.
They remain in the mix to secure Guehi’s signature but will now compete with Liverpool, who have taken a shine to the England international.
However, Newcastle could now be ready to move on and reignite their interest in a long-term target abroad.
According to TEAMtalk, the North East giants remain interested in signing Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini, who they believe has the potential to become one of the best in his position.
The 21-year-old, despite his recent injury record, is not short of admirers though, with Serie A clubs Juventus and Inter Milan both interested in snapping up his services.
It is further noted that Atalanta are keen on keeping Scalvini, they are content with the fact that he has a long-term contract at the club and don’t feel any pressure to move him on at this time.
How much will Giorgio Scalvini cost?
There is no doubt that Scalvini is an exciting prospect for the future of Newcastle’s centre-back partnership, as he could be an incredible successor for Fabian Schar.
It would be understandable if Newcastle are cautious in their approach for the youngster though, as he suffered an ACL injury which was then followed up by a shoulder injury meaning he only tallied up eight appearances for Atalanta this season.
That said, the Tynesiders are no strangers to taking a gamble on a young player with a troubled injury history – they signed Tino Livramento in 2023 despite him having made just two appearances for Southampton the previous season after suffering an ACL injury.
Livramento has gone on to be one of the most influential and reliable starting players for Newcastle and even earned his first senior England cap thanks to his outstanding performances in black and white.
The exact fee Atalanta would demand to part ways with Scalvini – dubbed “the future of Italian defence” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – remains unclear, though reports from March suggested that £51m might be sufficient.
With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle make their long standing interest concrete this summer and at the very least, test the water with the Serie A club to see if they can be tempted.
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