For a long time, it looked like Newcastle United would either sign James Maddison or Dominik Szoboszlai.
With pre-season looming, it is now officially confirmed that neither is on their way to St James’ Park to join Eddie Howe‘s squad.
Maddison has gone to Tottenham, with Newcastle deciding against a move for the 26-year-old. The club did not think Howe’s team would be solid enough if they were to play Maddison alongside Allan Saint-Maximin.
Then came Szoboszlai, who was the more exciting alternative. However, his £60million release clause was an issue for the Magpies.
It was less of a problem for Liverpool, who have now completed a deal for the 22-year-old Hungarian.
Missing out on both players has been considered a major transfer blow by supporters, but now i News has shed some light on how Newcastle officials feel about not signing either Maddison or Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai not essential for Newcastle
According to i News, Newcastle did not think signing Maddison or Szoboszlai was essential in the same way that getting Sandro Tonali was. The report adds that the Magpies believe they can put the money to better use.
While it is disappointing to miss out on both players, Newcastle’s stance makes sense. We have other priorities at the moment, so spending up to £60million on an attacking midfielder would have been unwise.
They will both likely prove to be hits at their new clubs, and there will be noises that Howe made a mistake.
But Newcastle are acting with caution, as they look to build a squad that is capable of competing on multiple fronts next season, including in the Champions League. The key word is squad. For that, Howe needs depth, which he will hopefully be able to get between now and the end of the transfer window.
Marquee signings like Maddison or Szoboszlai would be really exciting for fans, but at the moment they are a luxury that we cannot afford. Tottenham and Liverpool could, and that is why they were able to gazump us.
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