In terms of seismic transfer windows and incomings, it’s fair to say that both ourselves and Sunderland conducted quite a bit of business this past summer.
We smashed our transfer record on bringing in Nick Woltemade, and completed one of the big coups of the window by signing Malick Thiaw for just £35m. Sunderland, meanwhile, spent in excess of £180m, an absurd figure never before seen from a newly-promoted side.
Moving to January, reports in Italy suggest we could be in the market for the same midfielder, who is thought to prefer a move to Tyneside over Wearside…
Newcastle face fight to sign Guendouzi?
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Sunderland are struggling in their bid to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, who is thought to favour a move to Newcastle or Aston Villa instead.
The former Arsenal talent was linked last week amid our interest in Roma midfielder Manu Kone: a clear indicator that we’re looking for a defensively-minded midfielder in the January window?
It’s claimed Guendouzi wants to play European football and has rebuked Sunderland’s advances so far, with Lazio also hoping for more than the £20m offered by the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris worked with the 26-year-old French international during their time together at Lorient, but that may count for nothing as the Italian paper claims he would prefer to join Newcastle or Aston Villa.
With two Champions League campaigns in our last three seasons, Newcastle can offer Champions League football over the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, while Aston Villa are in the Europa League under Unai Emery; who Guendouzi worked under at Arsenal.
That said, links to Newcastle and Villa could be agent-driven to push Sunderland to up their bid and offer the player a more lucrative contract? This is always something to consider and it wouldn’t be the first time post-takeover.
Would the move make sense?
When you compare Guendouzi to some of the other names we’ve been linked with in recent weeks, you can definitely start to see some patterns in terms of who are recruitment team are trying to sign.
Boasting prior Premier League experience like Scott McTominay and Conor Gallagher may appeal to Eddie Howe, and we’ve clearly been scouring the Italian market after recent moves for Malick Thiaw and Sandro Tonali.
However, I do question two thing. 1) He’s not that young creative midfielder we’ve been tipped to sign following links to Kees Smit and 2) his attitude and disciplinary record has been questioned over his career.
Ross Wilson has been tipped to sign younger prospects with high ceilings and potential resale value above older, more ‘established’ talent, so I would be surprised if we added a player like Guendouzi to our already stacked pool of midfielders.
💙 Follow Us on Facebook
We share updates, news, and helpful posts every day.
Click below to like & follow our page to stay connected!
Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
