Newcastle United is determined to strengthen its defense during the upcoming transfer window, and everything indicates that coach Eddie Howe has lost patience with the Magpies' defensive vulnerability during the current season. According to Brazilian media reports this week, the main target is simply one of the Libertadores finalists and one of the leaders of the 2025 Brasileirão.
Léo Ortiz is being monitored by Newcastle and could end up being one of Newcastle's top priorities in January. Defense has been a question mark in Newcastle's performances under Howe, showing inconsistency. Therefore, signing a new center back is considered a priority.
This defender is praised for his sensational performance on the Flamengo team, coached by Filipe Luís and best known as a number 10 who plays defense. Ortiz's impact on Flamengo is remarkable: the Rio de Janeiro team conceded half as many goals in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the defender credited as the main reason for this improvement.
Newcastle will struggle to sign Flamengo reinforcement
Newcastle is reportedly ready to make a significant offer in January, but will face challenges. First, the financial negotiations will be complex, as Ortiz has a contract with Flamengo until December 2028, allowing the Brazilian club to demand a significant amount. Second, the English club will have to convince the player, who recently turned down other European offers, that Newcastle's project is the right one for him.
Léo Ortiz is not the only name on Newcastle's list of defensive reinforcements, which also includes players such as Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu (from Juventus and Club Brugge, respectively, although Tomori and Kalulu play for AC Milan). In addition, the team is looking to renew Fabian Schar's contract to finally have stability and confidence in the center-back position.
Before the transfer window, Flamengo will play in the Libertadores final against Palmeiras. If they win the championship, the defender's market value will likely increase.