Newcastle United have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 Premier League season under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
The Magpies have collected four points from their opening matches following a summer of significant squad changes at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona for £69.3 million, while Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes also departed Newcastle during the window.
Newcastle responded by strengthening several areas of Jaissle’s squad. Matias Fernandez-Pardo arrived from Lille for more than £50 million, with Nico Gonzalez, Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur also joining.
Aston Villa underwent an extensive rebuild of their own after losing several important players during the summer.
Morgan Rogers completed a £117 million move to Chelsea, while Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal and Ollie Watkins moved to Al Hilal.
Unai Emery’s side brought in ten new players, including Johan Manzambi for £51 million after competing with Newcastle for his signature.
Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye, Zion Suzuki and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were also among Villa’s additions.
Both clubs are now monitoring another attacking option who has attracted interest following his recent performances in Spain.
According to Fussball News, Newcastle and Aston Villa are tracking Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri and could consider a future move.
The forward is currently on loan at Racing Santander from Rennes and recently strengthened his profile by scoring a hat-trick.
Zabiri is valued at around €20 million, with Rennes yet to make a decision over whether they would consider a permanent sale.
Newcastle already added Fernandez-Pardo during the summer, while Villa strengthened their attack with Jackson. However, both clubs continue to assess further options.
Zabiri’s current loan gives him regular senior football as he continues his development in Spain.
Newcastle and Villa have the financial resources required to pursue a deal if their interest develops further.
For now, neither club has made a formal move, leaving the Moroccan striker as a player being monitored ahead of future transfer windows.
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