A lot has gone right for Eddie Howe since he became Newcastle manager, but there are still a lot of areas he’d like to improve.
The short-term goal in January was to bring in players for Premier League survival. However, the Magpies were still able to land Bruno Guimaraes, a player who could shape the future of Newcastle’s midfield.
This summer could be a big one for Newcastle’s new owners, especially with relegation looking a lot less likely. Howe’s side are nine points clear of the drop with nine games to go.
We’re not safe, but we’re a lot closer than we were at the start of January.
Plans are already being put in place for the summer transfer window, and Howe has reportedly identified an area of concern.
Eddie Howe reportedly keen to add goalkeeping competition
The Magpies have been linked with plenty of goalkeepers recently. There was even talk in January that a new stopper could arrive.
That didn’t happen, but it feels inevitable that we will sign a goalkeeper in the summer. The Northern Echo reinforce that point, stating that Howe is ‘concerned’ by the lack of competition in between the sticks.
Martin Dubravka has been Howe’s number one goalkeeper. The Slovakian has started all but one game under the new boss, with Karl Darlow playing in Howe’s Toon debut – the 3-3 draw with Brentford.
Interestingly, the report states that Howe wants to boost the competition for Dubravka, rather than outright replace him.
However, with some of the names linked, it’s hard to imagine they won’t be taking the 35-year-old’s place. Dean Henderson has been rumoured, and he won’t be leaving the Manchester United bench just to sit on Newcastle’s.
Regardless, there is a clear desire from Howe to improve his squad – not just his starting XI. That’s a strong strategy considering the severe lack of depth we’ve had in recent years.
The Toon boss might be worried now, but those concerns should disappear in the summer with fresh investment.
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