It has been a torrid week for Newcastle United one that arguably defines a woeful 2025/26 campaign. After being dismantled by Liverpool and Manchester City, the Magpies’ misery was compounded by a gut-wrenching late defeat to Brentford at St James’ Park.
While Eddie Howe remains defiant, insisting he is still the “correct man” to lead the club forward, the cracks in the squad are visible. To stop the rot, Newcastle are looking toward Italy, with Inter Milan’s Carlos Augusto emerging as a primary summer target.
The £26m Bargain
According to reports from L’Interista, Newcastle have moved to the front of the queue for the versatile Brazilian, alongside Aston Villa. With Inter Milan reportedly valuing Augusto at just €30m (£26m), the move represents a rare “no-brainer” in a market of inflated prices.
Crucially, Newcastle’s hierarchy won’t be shackled by the same PSR (Profit and Sustainability) limitations that hampered previous windows. This financial freedom, combined with the fact that Augusto shares the same agent as Sandro Tonali, gives the Magpies a significant strategic advantage in negotiations.
Versatility: The Antidote to Howe’s Woes
The recurring theme of Newcastle’s season has been a fragile lead and a lack of defensive depth. Carlos Augusto offers a multi-functional solution:
- Primary Role: A dynamic left-back with Serie A-winning experience.
- Secondary Role: Capable of slotting into central defense, providing the “insurance policy” Howe has lacked during this season’s injury crises.
- Winning Mentality: As a Scudetto winner with Inter, he brings a level of composure and elite-level experience that is currently missing in the Magpies’ backline.
The Verdict: A Move to Save the Project?
Eddie Howe’s honesty has been “ruthless,” admitting the team needs to give more. However, passion alone won’t bridge the gap to the Top Six. Signing a player of Augusto’s calibre for £26m is the exact type of shrewd recruitment required to stabilize the defense.
Whether Howe is the man to lead Augusto onto the pitch next season remains the subject of fierce debate on Tyneside. But regardless of who is in the dugout, the Brazilian “warrior” looks like a vital piece of the puzzle for Newcastle’s 2026 rebuild.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
