(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Fri 27 March 2026 10:45, UK

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Newcastle United appear to be facing a nightmare battle to keep hold of their best players heading into this summer’s transfer window.

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali have been heavily linked with an exit from St James’ Park in recent weeks, and Lewis Hall has now been shortlisted by Barcelona with a view to them making a move.

The Spanish giants are keen to strengthen in the left-back position this summer, and they have already identified the England international as a target, along with Bayer Leverkusen’s Alejandro Grimaldo and Juventus star Andrea Cambiaso.

Barcelona’s coaching staff are said to have been impressed with Hall’s performances across both legs of their recent Champions League last 16 clash, and they have now earmarked him as a clear target.

Newcastle’s transfer plans for the summer are set to see them try to strengthen their hand once again, but so far, it appears as though they are facing a summer that could see them lose several of their key players.

Barcelona wowed by Lewis Hall amid £25m update

Newcastle’s struggles on the pitch this season have come as a surprise to many, given the fact that they have several genuine top-level stars within their group.

However, the Tynesiders appear set to miss out on European football for next term, and that could potentially have a devastating effect on their squad.

Howe and Co. would have been fearing an exodus of some of their best players, and those fears are now looking set to become reality, with Tonali increasingly likely to leave and Hall also subject to significant interest.

Barcelona have their eyes fixed firmly on the 21-year-old, who is said to be valued in the region of the £25million mark, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

There is an acceptance from the Camp Nou that Newcastle are usually not willing to sell their key players, but given the calibre of the club that is interested, Hall could even take matters into his own hands.

Alexander Isak eventually forced through a move to Liverpool last summer, and it would surely be hard for Newcastle to stand in Hall’s way if he is dreaming of joining the Blaugrana.

Newcastle backed to be able to keep Hall

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider last week that he expects Newcastle to keep Hall this summer, despite the recent links over a potential exit.

The Scottish businessman outlined that the youngster is a player who Howe wants to build the team around in the coming years, while also adding that he feels he has been the Magpies’ Player of the Season this term.

Hall’s displays have earned him a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the March internationals, which is likely to give him a strong chance of making the final group for the World Cup.

Exposure at a major tournament would potentially see the starlet’s stock rise even further, and that will not be good for Newcastle at the moment.

They have their hearts set on pushing back towards the European places in 2026-27, but with the possibility of key players departing before next term, their hopes could take a big blow before the next campaign even gets going.