Newcastle in Luciano Valente ‘transfer mission’, January shake-up accelerates
Newcastle are reportedly keeping tabs on Feyenoord midfielder Luciano Valente ahead of a possible move for his services in the new year.
Newcastle have endured a tough first few months of the 2025-26 campaign but they look set to finally turn a corner heading into a busy Christmas schedule.
Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have impressed so far this term, but Joelinton has not been his usual dominant self at times and concerns have been raised around the club’s long-term midfield planning.
Football Insider recently revealed that Newcastle could look to replace Joelinton in January, while Joe Willock is wanted by Crystal Palace with a potential winter exit mooted.
Roma star Manu Kone has been linked to Newcastle, so it is clear that plans are in place to adjust Howe’s midfield, and another target has now seemingly been identified ahead of the new year.
Newcastle scout watches Feyenoord and Netherlands star Luciano Valente
Luciano Valente joined Feyenoord from Groningen in July after becoming a key player for his boyhood club and registering two goals and seven assists in 33 Eredivisie games last season.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been a regular starter for the Rotterdam club so far in this campaign, and earned a maiden cap for the Netherlands’ senior side against Lithuania last month as a result of his strong form.
Even though he has not long joined Feyenoord, Newcastle are believed to be tracking Valente after a scout reportedly went to watch him play against Telstar on Saturday (30 November).
Dutch football commentator Jeroen Grueter recently revealed on the NOS Football Podcast (via Soccer News) that he had spoken to a Magpies scout at the game, saying: “I happened to speak yesterday to an important scout from Newcastle United, who was in Velsen-Zuid.
“We talked for a while and he said, ‘I wanted to see him with my own eyes.’ Of course, there is no guarantee that he will also attract everything directly to himself in the Premier League.
“I do think he scores very high on a lot of points”
Newcastle will not be letting Lewis Miley leave in January
Even though the likes of Joelinton and Willock could potentially leave St James’ Park in the new year, young star Lewis Miley looks likely to stay after proving his worth to Howe.
The 19-year-old has struggled to play regularly since his initial breakthrough into the first-team two years ago, but he is already close to matching his 19 appearances from last season with 14 games played so far this term.
Football Insider’s sources recently revealed that Newcastle will block any January approaches for Miley following some strong form that saw him score against Everton last weekend.
Even with him set to remain, it certainly seems likely that the Magpies delve into the winter market for a new midfielder if departures are sanctioned, with Valente a potential target.