CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CRISIS: Newcastle Plot Audacious Move for Aleksandar Stanković Amid Bruno Guimaraes Injury Scare
By 247sportcity | Thursday, January 22, 2026
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE – The euphoria of a dominant Champions League night at St. James’ Park has been swiftly replaced by a sense of trepidation. While Newcastle United dismantled PSV Eindhoven with a clinical 3-0 victory on Wednesday night, the sight of Bruno Guimaraes limping toward the tunnel has sent shockwaves through Tyneside.
With a season-defining showdown against holders Paris Saint-Germain looming at the Parc des Princes next week, Eddie Howe finds himself at a tactical and medical crossroads. In response to a burgeoning injury crisis that has decimated his defensive and midfield ranks, sources have told Football FanCast that the Magpies are weighing up a move for Club Brugge’s versatile star, Aleksandar Stanković.
The Bruno Blow: A Manager’s Nightmare
Bruno Guimaraes is arguably the one player Newcastle cannot afford to lose. The Brazilian international was withdrawn during the second half of the PSV clash with a concerning ankle problem. Speaking after the match, a visibly worried Eddie Howe didn’t hide the gravity of the situation.
“He’s a little bit sore and there’s a little bit of swelling around his ankle,” Howe admitted. “We hope it’s not serious, but it’s difficult to know. It’s a worry that he’s had to come off.”
The timing could not be worse. Newcastle are on the verge of a historic achievement; a win in Paris would guarantee them automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16. While they are already virtually assured of a top-16 finish and a home draw in the play-offs, Howe is a man who “hunts for trophies,” and the lure of the knockout rounds is fueling his desire to bolster the squad before the window shuts.
[Table: The Newcastle Injury List — A Growing Crisis]
The Magpies’ medical room is currently at capacity, leaving the first-team squad perilously thin ahead of their trip to France.
| Player | Position | Status |
| Bruno Guimaraes | Midfield | Ankle (Evaluating) |
| Fabian Schär | Centre-Back | Long-term |
| Tino Livramento | Full-Back | Long-term |
| Dan Burn | Defender | Long-term |
| Emil Krafth | Defender | Long-term |
The Solution: Aleksandar Stanković — The Tactical Swiss Army Knife
With the defensive line ravaged and the midfield anchor potentially sidelined, Newcastle have identified Aleksandar Stanković as the ideal profile to stabilize the ship. The 20-year-old, currently plying his trade in Belgium with Club Brugge, is a rare breed of footballer capable of providing elite cover in multiple positions.
Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, Stanković possesses the physical presence and tactical intelligence to slot seamlessly into centre-back. For Eddie Howe, this versatility is priceless. In one signing, Newcastle could secure cover for the injured Fabian Schär and a rotational option for the overworked midfield unit.
The Inter Milan Twist: A Complex Transfer Triangle
Securing Stanković’s signature will require some sophisticated boardroom maneuvering. The Serbian youngster was sold by Inter Milan to Club Brugge last summer, but the Serie A giants were savvy enough to include a €23m (£20m) buyback option.
Reports suggest that Inter are almost certain to activate this clause following Stanković’s breakout performances in the Jupiler Pro League. However, the Nerazzurri are not looking to integrate him into Simone Inzaghi’s squad. Instead, they plan to “flip” the player for an immediate profit. This creates a golden window for Newcastle to step in and offer Inter a quick financial gain while securing a long-term asset for Howe’s project.
Financial Fair Play: Success as a “Nice By-product”
The financial implications of Newcastle’s European run are not lost on the head coach. Progressing to the last 16 brings significant UEFA prize money and television revenue, which is vital for a club navigating the strict confines of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
“There’s a financial implication there and yes, we always talk about income, PSR and trying to generate more revenue,” Howe noted. “But I never think financially when trying to help the team progress… The financial side is a nice by-product of trying to win.”
By investing in a 20-year-old like Stanković, Newcastle would be adhering to their philosophy of buying “long-term solutions” rather than “short-term fixes.” Stanković represents a high-ceiling talent whose value is only likely to increase, making him a perfect fit for the club’s current economic model.
The Road to Paris: Seconds from Glory
Memories of the Parc des Princes are still fresh in the minds of the Newcastle faithful. Two seasons ago, they came within seconds of a famous victory against PSG before a controversial late penalty denied them.
Next week’s return to the French capital is more than just a game; it is a benchmark of how far the club has come. With or without Guimaraes, Howe is relishing the showdown. “We’re aware there’s a direct correlation between success and growth,” Howe said. If Newcastle can land Stanković before the deadline, it would give them the tactical depth to compete not just in Paris, but across the grueling second half of the season.
The Final Verdict: A Calculated Move
Newcastle United have been uncharacteristically quiet in the January market so far, but the Guimaraes injury may have finally forced their hand. Aleksandar Stanković is the definition of a “modern Newcastle” signing—young, versatile, and technically gifted.
If the Magpies can successfully navigate the Inter Milan buyback situation, they might just secure the insurance policy needed to keep their trophy hunt alive on multiple fronts. The fans are sweating on Bruno’s ankle; the board is working on Stanković’s contract. The next 72 hours could define the Magpies’ season.