Newcastle United and PIF have made contact over a move to sign a “world-class” international ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Newcastle transfer rumours as Magpies push for Champions League

The Magpies haven’t had the luxury of Champions League Football in the 2024/25 season, although Eddie Howe’s side did lift their first piece of silverware in 70 years in the EFL Cup.

A memorable 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley has been the highlight of 2025 for Newcastle, and things could get better with a return to the Champions League on the cards. Howe and Newcastle have just four top flight fixtures remaining as they aim to finish in the top five and return to Europe’s elite Club competition for the 2025/26 season.

Guaranteeing Champions League Football could help in the transfer market and attracting some top targets, and it may also help to keep hold of several stars, with Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali being linked with moves away from St James’ Park.

In regards to incomings, Howe has personally held talks over a move for Ipswich Town star Liam Delap this summer, and recent claims have suggested that former Arsenal midfielder Mateo Guendouzi, now at Lazio, is also a target.

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Newcastle have now joined the race to sign a Premier League striker this summer.

However, a new goalkeeper to rival Nick Pope is also wanted, and there have been strong rumours of a move for Burnley’s James Trafford. Now, a new goalkeeper target has emerged on the radar of PIF and Newcastle.

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Newcastle have made an approach over a move to sign Bourussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The Switzerland international could leave the Bundesliga side this summer, with Aouna describing an exit as a ‘concrete possibility’.

Chelsea have also made contact alongside Newcastle, and it is added that the player’s agent will meet with some English clubs in London in the coming days.

The 27-year-old is thought to be valued at €50m-€55m (£43m-£47m) by Dortmund and is under contract until 2028, so Newcastle will have to splash the cash if they are to pip the Blues to a deal.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl is a big fan of the Kobel, labelling him as “world-class”. “In Dortmund, Gregor has developed into a goalkeeper of world-class calibre who has attracted the interest of many top clubs in Europe. We’re proud that we were able to inspire him to continue at BVB.”

Meanwhile, Kobel’s former goalkeeper coach at Hoffenheim, Michael Rechner has also called the keeper “mentally strong, inquisitive and willing to learn.”

It looks as if a transfer will be one to keep an eye on, with Kobel potentially becoming Newcastle’s new number one next season if things go to plan.