The January transfer window is officially open, and Newcastle United may need to make use of it to refresh a squad that has looked stretched in recent weeks. While improvements could be made in several areas — including central midfield and the wide positions — the lack of depth at full-back stands out most clearly.
Although the club have significant funds available following the Alexander Isak sale, there is also an understanding that next season’s financial outlook is uncertain, particularly with European qualification far from guaranteed. Since the takeover, club figures have repeatedly played down the idea of heavy January spending, and that stance may remain. Even so, if the right opportunity presents itself, Newcastle could be tempted to act.
With that in mind, here are two full-backs currently playing in Europe who could fit Eddie Howe’s squad-building approach.
Joaquin Seys – Club Brugge
Full-back is arguably the area where Newcastle are thinnest, and Joaquin Seys could be a sensible option to strengthen it. The 20-year-old primarily operates on the left but has also featured on the right this season, starting 18 matches on his natural side and three on the opposite flank. That flexibility would make him a useful squad player, capable of covering multiple roles — much like Tino Livramento.
Despite his age, Seys already boasts valuable experience. He has featured in the Champions League and earned two senior caps for Belgium. Newcastle’s recruitment model has often focused on identifying players before they reach elite status, and Seys fits that profile well.
Statistically, his standout quality is his ability to move the ball forward. He averages over six progressive passes and close to three progressive carries per 90 minutes, placing him among the top-performing full-backs in those metrics. Defensively, he is proactive and assertive, recording nearly three tackles per game.
Where Seys still has room to grow is in the final third. His attacking output has been modest, with one goal and two assists across domestic and European competition this season, but that is an area that could develop with time and coaching.
Givairo Read – Feyenoord
Another young full-back who could be on Newcastle’s radar is Feyenoord’s Givairo Read. Operating exclusively at right-back, he lacks the positional flexibility of Seys but remains an exciting long-term prospect. His style has drawn comparisons to Jurrien Timber, who has gone on to impress in the Premier League with Arsenal.
Read has contributed three assists in the Eredivisie and found the net once in the Europa League, with his attacking influence improving as he has settled into senior football. That upward trend suggests growing confidence and maturity.
From a data perspective, his numbers are eye-catching. He ranks in the top 10% of full-backs for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists, underlining his threat going forward. However, the sample size remains limited, and the step up from the Dutch league to the Premier League would be significant.
Defensively, Read is still raw and would require refinement, particularly in a more demanding league. While Seys may be better suited to making an immediate contribution, Read arguably offers a higher long-term ceiling.
Both players represent the type of calculated recruitment Newcastle may consider if they decide to dip into the market this January.