Throughout the January transfer window, Newcastle’s intention to strengthen their defence was clear.
Sven Botman was heavily pursued and they of course ended up getting Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Matt Targett through the door.
Combined with Fabian Schar’s resurgence, that has given Eddie Howe a defensive solidity which was not possible when he took over.
Bruno Guimaraes will also anchor midfield when fully fit, which will help be even more secure defensively as well.
So perhaps that back four could convince the club to set about overhauling the attack when the summer rolls around.
It looks like Newcastle will be in the Premier League next term and that offers the licence to make more long-term signings.
Hugo Ekitike would be one of them, and Newcastle could take the jump to get to where they need to be by investing in the next generation of younger talent.
They can make them a very exciting offer, to develop at a club which is going on a journey towards the upper reaches of the division.
Previously, it might have been thought that Newcastle need to further solidify before they could start thinking about brightening up the attack.
Some fans may still think that way, reasoning that every house needs to be built from its foundations.
Also, Kevin Keegan’s Magpies kept buying forward players when they really needed a bit more pragmatism and this new regime wants to do things differently.
But if Newcastle can transform their attack, and make themselves even more of a threat to opponents, while keeping the same solidity they are showing now, Howe really would have a force to be reckoned with on his hands.
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