Transfer deadline day was full of emotion for Newcastle United fans.
It was one of jubilation, with the Magpies reaching the Carabao Cup final thanks to victory over Southampton. It was also one of sadness, as supporters waved goodbye to Jonjo Shelvey after seven years at St James’ Park.
But there was anticipation too. Fans are eager to see new players Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby in action, and they were introduced to the crowd on Tuesday night. There is also the anticipation of going to Wembley later this month.
However, one underlying emotion coming out of transfer deadline day is uncertainty. The Magpies spent the day trying to find a centre-midfielder to replace Jonjo Shelvey, but were unable to.
Sander Berge was linked but that deal did not come to fruition. Elsewhere, Chelsea were unwilling to let Conor Gallagher move to Newcastle on loan. A permanent deal might have been possible, but the Blues wanted £50million for the 22-year-old.
Toon Sporting Director Dan Ashworth said no, and Newcastle decided to stick with what they’ve got. That decision then came under immediate scrutiny when Bruno Guimaraes picked up a red card that means he will miss our next three games.
Newcastle’s transfer risk will prove to be worth taking
The Magpies easily could have panicked on transfer deadline day. They could have bowed down to Chelsea’s demands and paid £50million for Gallagher. It could have proven to be a great decision too, as there is no denying that he is an excellent footballer.
However, our recruitment over the past year has been spot on, and that has not been because of knee-jerk decisions. It has been because careful and methodical planning to find the right players for the right price.
Gallagher might be considered the right player behind the scenes, but the price we were quoted was way too much. In comparison, it is around half of what Graham Potter’s side have paid to sign World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
The England international would have been a panic buy, and his arrival would have hindered our efforts to reinvest in the summer.
Newcastle’s Champions League conundrum
There is every chance that Newcastle do decide in the summer that Gallagher is the player they want. If that is the case, some will argue that the Toon hierarchy should have bitten the bullet now and paid more to boost our Champions League bid.
But our league position should not dictate our transfer activity. While it is great to see us in the top four, we are performing well above expectation. At the beginning of the season, the board were just hoping to finish in the top half.
Qualifying for the Champions League will massively change things at Newcastle, but we need to get there in a sustained way. There is no use breaking the bank to qualify now if we aren’t set up to do the same the season after.
This is a long-term project, and the decisions that the owners make are with the club’s long-term future in mind.
Newcastle’s lack of midfield options is a concern, but it is an issue that Howe will learn to deal with between now and the end of the season. Then he can get the perfect midfielder – someone who the entire recruitment team agree on.
The Magpies have taken a risk in not splashing out on a midfielder in January, but it is a decision that will surely pay off.
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