With the January transfer window looming, Eddie Howe will soon have the opportunity to strengthen a Newcastle United squad that has been decimated by injury and suspension.
Just as the Magpies have started to get some players back, others have fallen. Nick Pope is now in the midst of a lengthy absence, having hurt his shoulder in the win over Manchester United.
It is clear that Newcastle need reinforcements, with Eddie Howe keen to add some fresh faces to his squad for the second half of the season.
Midfield appears to be the priority, with Kalvin Phillips heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park. He would be a very smart addition, and he is more than capable of filling the void left by Sandro Tonali.
But with European football no longer part of Newcastle’s immediate future, the club’s plans for January might need to be slightly refined.
Champions League elimination means that the Magpies are going to miss out on the financial incentives that come with being in the competition, and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has stated that Wednesday night’s loss to AC Milan is going to have an impact on how much Howe can spend in January.
What Craig Hope has heard about Newcastle’s transfer budget
Journalist Craig Hope has spoke about Newcastle’s January transfer budget on the Daily Mail’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast.
“Will there be money in January? There will be less money in January on the back of last night,” he said.
“That’s why last night was so important.
“I think one player they might look at is David De Gea. Martin Dubravka has come in, he’s had three games now and hasn’t looked great if we’re honest. There is an unemployed Spaniard who is very good sat out there at Madrid. That is one we could see movement on.”
January transfer window will suddenly be very different for Newcastle
Hope believes that Newcastle’s transfer budget will now be less than it would have been if they had made it out of their Champions League group.
That could seriously hinder the club’s January plans, while there is also the issue that a move to Tyneside is suddenly less appealing without the lure of European football.
However, it could be argued that Newcastle do not actually need as big a budget now they are out of Europe.
There will be no more midweek trips abroad or emotionally draining contests at St James’ Park. Instead, Howe will be able to rest his players and do more work on the training pitch during the second half of the season.
It is obvious that we need a bit more quality, but the depth will be enough to compete domestically once we get a few more players back. Hopefully that will soon happen with regards to Joe Willock, Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Jacob Murphy.
One position that could be addressed is goalkeeper, with Hope hinting that a move for David De Gea could happen. Fans certainly would’t say no to that, especially with Martin Dubravka struggling for form since coming in for Pope.
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