Newport County has officially concluded its summer transfer window with the addition of three new players: Michael Adu-Poku from Watford, Kion Etete from Cardiff City, and Matty Jacob from Hull City. This marks a significant step in the club's efforts to rebuild its squad ahead of the new season.
The latest signings arrive on the heels of a season-long loan agreement for Cardiff's Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, which was confirmed on transfer deadline day. Jacob, a defender, joins Newport on loan from Premier League side Hull City until January, while both Adu-Poku and Etete come down from the Championship to bolster Newport's attacking options for the remainder of the season.
In total, Newport County made 15 signings during the summer transfer window, a clear indication of the club's ambition to reshape the team under the new management of Hayden Mullins. This overhaul comes after a narrow escape from relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season, when the team managed to avoid dropping down to the National League under former manager Christian Fuchs.
Matty Jacob's arrival is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the second left-back to join Newport this summer, following the loan signing of Alfie Merritt from Bournemouth. Jacob, who has faced injury challenges throughout his career, previously spent the first half of last season on loan at League One club Reading, where he made 16 appearances. Upon returning to Hull in January, he contributed to the team’s promotion to the Premier League, playing five matches.
Adu-Poku, at just 20 years old, adds versatility to Newport's attacking lineup. He recently featured in Watford's Championship match against Southampton and started in a Carabao Cup defeat to Peterborough. His previous loan spells at clubs such as Rochdale and Barrow have provided him with valuable first-team experience, which he will bring to Newport.
Kion Etete, another key addition, is a 24-year-old striker who has been with Cardiff City since 2022, where he scored nine goals in his first two seasons. Having come through the ranks at Tottenham, Etete has also had loan spells at Bolton, Rotherham United, and St Mirren. With Newport facing injury concerns, particularly with James Crole sidelined, Etete's physical presence at 6 feet 6 inches will be crucial in supporting fellow forward Christian Doidge.
Currently, Newport County has six players on loan, including Merritt, Adu-Poku, Etete, Jacob, Nyakuhwa, and Matt Dibley-Dias from Fulham. However, EFL regulations permit the club to name only five loanees in their matchday squad, adding a layer of strategic decision-making for Mullins as the season progresses. As Newport County prepares for the upcoming fixtures, the integration of these new signings will be pivotal in their quest for a successful campaign in League Two.
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