Newcastle cannot buy a goal from their strikers lately, but according to the Shields Gazette, Steve Bruce is still not prioritising a striker during January’s transfer window.
There has been much speculation over a potential bid for Hull’s free-scoring winger Jarrod Bowen, but Bruce is said to be backing away from a £20 million deal, in order to strengthen the midfield.
While Newcastle do need midfield reinforcements, particularly if they decide to let Ki Sung Yueng leave, I would suggest the need for goals is more urgent than beefing up that area.
With Sean Longstaff set to be in contention for a return against Manchester City on Saturday, and already having Isaac Hayden and the often maligned Jonjo Shelvey, there is already a nucleus of central midfielders.
He then has Sean’s younger brother Matty available, and while he is still here, Ki can also be drafted in, if the situation requires it.
Of course, in an ideal world, he will be looking for a midfielder to replace Shelvey, who has had one decent game – at West Ham – this season, and although handed the captain’s armband on Monday, was lethargic and largely uninterested throughout.
Newcastle need to sign a player who can bring goals to the club
Up front, however, it is a slightly different story. Joelinton is playing a lone role up there for most of the games, and blatantly needs some help.
Miguel Almiron’s struggles have been well documented, while Allan Saint-Maximin is not an out-and-out striker.
When Bruce has turned to his bench, he has got virtually nothing out of them, Andy Carroll has not really loooked like getting a goal when he has been on the pitch, and Dwight Gayle has been virtually anonymous.
Yoshinori Muto is clearly not favoured by the manager, and in all honesty, does not look up to the task when he has been called upon.
We have nothing on the right wing at all, and Bowen should be the first player through the St James’ Park door when the transfer window opens, and what he would bring to Newcastle is goals.
He has scored consistently at Hull, and there is nothing to suggest he would not do similar in the Premier League.
With his talent, and other clubs undoubtedly taking notice of him, not making a January move for the player Bruce signed for the Tigers, is likely to see Newcastle miss out on a top prospect who could go on to do great things at the club.
Bruce has been questioned by fans on social media in the past over his tactical ability and nous, and to prioritise a midfielder over a winger-cum-striker in January would be a big mistake, and prove those doubting fans right.
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