Exclusive: Newcastle register interest in Stefan de Vrij
Newcastle United have registered their interest in Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, sources have told Football Insider.
The Netherlands centre-back, 33, could leave Inter this month after struggling for game time in the first half of the season.
De Vrij came close to joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal earlier this week before the deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.
Newcastle have joined Nottingham Forest in the race for the centre-back, who wants regular playing time to help secure a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad.
Forest are interested in a loan deal until the end of the season and Newcastle are also exploring a move.
De Vrij would not be able to play in the Champions League for a new club as he has already featured for Inter this season.
Newcastle eye Stefan de Vrij amid defensive injury crisis
Newcastle’s interest in de Vrij comes after a series of injuries to the Magpies’ centre-backs.
Fabian Schar is set to be out of action at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future. The defender required ankle surgery after he was forced off in the 4-3 victory over Leeds United.
The 34-year-old joined Dan Burn on the sideline, with his teammate being injured since mid-December, although he is expected to return in the coming weeks.
🤕NUFC injury update 👇
— Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) January 16, 2026
🇨🇭Fabian Schar set for three months out following ankle surgery.
🤏Dan Burn and William Osula nearing returns.
❌Jacob Murphy set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. pic.twitter.com/UoPm2IbXPG
As a result, Football Insider recently revealed that a centre-back, alongside a left-back, was a priority for Newcastle this transfer window.
Now, their interest in de Vrij has the Magpies one step closer to reaching their goals in the market this month.
Is de Vrij still a capable centre-back?
Previously, de Vrij had been one of the best defenders in the Serie A, winning numerous titles at both Lazio and Inter Milan.
His form helped guide the latter side to two Champions League finals in recent years.
However, with the centre-back set to turn 34 years old next month, there are questions over the ability he possesses.
According to Fotmob on 17 January, when he has played in the Serie A this season, he has been fantastic.
| Stefan de Vrij’s Serie A stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Passing accuracy | 92.6% |
| Tackles | 1.99 |
| Duels won | 5.47 |
| Duels won percentage | 73.3% |
| Aerial duels won | 2.98 |
| Aerial duels won percentage | 60.0% |
To date, he is averaging 1.99 tackles, 73.3 per cent duels won and 2.98 aerial duels won per match.
Therefore, there is no reason why de Vrij cannot make the transition to the Premier League successfully this season if Newcastle capture the centre-back this transfer window.