It’s been an incredibly busy month for Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson.
With no director of football appointed before the January transfer window, the pressure was on the new hierarchy, Nickson and Eddie Howe to deliver the signings needed.
By the end of the month, the Magpies had brought in five players – Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.
It was essential that Newcastle made multiple signings in January, but they also had to be the right kind of players. We needed the right characters to help us in our fight against relegation. Hollywood superstars weren’t going to fit the bill despite the new owners’ deep pockets.
What Newcastle have done is signed Premier League experience. The only arrival who hasn’t played in England is Guimaraes, and he looks like a risk that is absolutely worth taking.
Ligue 1 expert Robin Bairner described him as a ‘complete’ midfielder when he spoke to Geordie Boot Boys, and admitted he could play for one of the Premier League’s traditional ‘big six’. That shows what a statement signing he is for Newcastle.
Guimaraes is a player who has reportedly been tracked by Nickson for a long time, even before he joined Lyon in January 2020. The Newcastle chief’s extensive scouting finally paid dividends.
Steve Nickson impresses new Newcastle owners
According to the Athletic, the new Toon owners are ‘more than satisfied’ with how Nickson performed in January.
However, they are unable to confirm whether or not he will remain at St James’ Park long-term following the takeover.
His role in January proved to be pivotal, especially without a director of football. One will be appointed soon, and that should lead to more clarity on Nickson’s position at the club.
Nickson was the man who brought Joelinton to Newcastle for £40million – a club record fee for a ‘striker’ who didn’t score goals. That really tarnished his reputation.
However, the Brazilian’s resurgence has probably eased those woes. With more money to play with, there should be a role for Nickson at the club.
Under Mike Ashley, he probably felt he was working with the handbrake on. He probably identified a plethora of top class players for the Magpies, just like Guimaraes. But the club never had the funds to do a deal.
Now the money is there, and perhaps Nickson will have a Joelinton-esque renaissance.
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