Paul Mitchell may suddenly have to scrap Newcastle’s plan to make dream £50m signing in January

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The January transfer window could be just as tough as the summer transfer window for Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Following his arrival at St James’ Park in July, Paul Mitchell was unable to make a splash during his first transfer window as Newcastle United’s new sporting director.

It was a really tough window, as Mitchell failed to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. There was also a failed attempt to land Anthony Elanga, as the transfer window closed with Newcastle failing to address both of their summer priorities.

Unsurprisingly, Newcastle’s priorities remain the same – a right-sided centre-back and a right winger.

What Newcastle’s transfer priority for January is

During the summer, Newcastle focussed most of their attention on trying to sign a centre-back. But not just any centre-back, the player that Eddie Howe wanted was Marc Guehi.

Sadly, Newcastle could not agree a deal with Crystal Palace.

But while centre-back was top of the wanted list in the summer, it could be different in January.

It has been claimed that Newcastle will prioritise signing a right winger, with Eddie Howe needing an upgrade on Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron.

It has also been reported that Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s dream signing for that position. That is a sentiment shared by a lot of supporters, with the Cameroon international enjoying another sensational season for Brentford. He has scored eight goals in 11 Premier League games, with only Erling Haaland scoring more.

Mbeumo has an asking price of £50million, which would surely make him attainable for Newcastle. However, that money might suddenly need to go elsewhere.

Why Newcastle might need to change their transfer plan again

Newcastle may no longer be able to prioritise signing a winger. Instead, they might have to refocus on bringing in a right-sided centre-back.

That is because Emil Krafth is out of action with injury. The Sweden international has suffered a broken collar bone in training.

That is a concern, as Krafth is Fabian Schar’s understudy at right centre-back. It puts the Swiss defender under pressure to remain fit and avoid suspension, and highlights the need for Newcastle to bring in reinforcements.

Krafth’s injury emphasises Newcastle’s need for another centre-back, with Jamaal Lascelles – the Magpies’ other right-sided centre-back – not set to return from his injury until 2025.

That could force Paul Mitchell to alter his January transfer plans, at a time when Eddie Howe appears to have found a solution to his winger problem.

Joelinton is having success on the left and the right of attack, and his performances could ensure a new winger is less essential in January, which is ideal given the sudden need for a centre-back.