Sources: West Ham join Newcastle in race to sign defender on a free
West Ham are set to join Newcastle in the hunt for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza who is set to leave on a free next summer.
The Spaniard, renowned for his versatility to play both midfield and defence, is on the agenda for Premier League clubs.
It isn’t the first time the 26-year-old has been chased by English top-flight teams, with sources telling Football Insider back in January that Aston Villa were interested in Mingueza.
Fast forward to the end of 2025 and now Newcastle are eyeing up Mingueza on a potential cut-price deal to beat rivals to his signature.
European and English clubs go toe-to-toe for Oscar Mingueza ahead of his contract expiration
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Spain international is receiving an array of suitors determined to land his signature.
The Magpies are weighing up a move in January to beat competitors to the number three, with other clubs preferring to secure a pre-contract agreement ahead of his contract expiration at the end of the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Newcastle, West Ham and Villa, there’s interest from across Europe from clubs in Italy and France as well [in Mingueza].
“So it’s a real open race for Mingueza right now. He’s really impressed at Celta Vigo since joining the club from Barcelona a couple of years ago.
“He’s had a very good season for Celta so far this season, 14 appearances, one goal and three assists. So, he would be a useful addition due to his versatility for any of those clubs that are interested in him as well.
“So if he does decide he’ll keep his options open and run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer, I’m sure there’ll be a host of clubs trying to sign him.”
West Ham may withdraw from Mingueza pursuit if Adama Traore deal can be agreed in January
Whilst the Hammers will be monitoring the ongoing situation of Mingueza, they may call off the chase if they secure another transfer target.
Sources told Football Insider that West Ham could agree a cut-price deal for Adama Traore in January.
The move for the Fulham winger would signify a reunion between Nuno Espirito Santo and the Spaniard, in a bid to add pace down the right-hand side.
The deal would see the Irons have depth at both right-wing and right-back, likely diminishing their interest in Mingueza in the short-term.