As it stands, this has not been a very good summer transfer window for Newcastle United.
The Magpies have made four signings, while Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh left the club.
Eddie Howe was disappointed to sell Anderson and Minteh, but their exits were enforced. Newcastle United simply had to raise funds to comply with PSR, and they were the two players that departed.
It was sad to see them go, but it was the lesser of two evils. Their exits meant major stars stayed put, with Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon still at St James’ Park.
However, they have not been joined by any major additions. Two new goalkeepers have arrived, while Lloyd Kelly is going to be a very good squad player. Will Osula also signed for Newcastle, but he is very much a player for the future. However, Osula did impress on his Newcastle debut, suggesting that he could play a part this season if called upon.
But Eddie Howe needs players who improve his starting XI, and that is something that Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell must address before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on August 30th.
Newcastle must make two signings as Marc Guehi saga rumbles on
At the start of the summer, Newcastle United had two priorities – sign a right-sided centre-back and a right winger. With less than three weeks to go before the window closes, neither have arrived.
But there is still time, and targets are in place.
Marc Guehi is the centre-back that Newcastle are chasing, with the Magpies submitting three bids for the 24-year-old.
Crystal Palace owner Steve Parish has spoke about Newcastle’s interest in Guehi, and made it very clear that they need to put their money where their mouth is. The Eagles are not under pressure to sell, while Newcastle are becoming more desperate to secure a deal.
Given all the effort that has gone in, Newcastle absolutely need to agree a deal for Guehi. He is exactly what Eddie Howe is looking for.
He can be the long-term Fabian Schar replacement, boasting incredible composure and ability on the ball. He is also a leader, while he can fill in for Sven Botman as the left-sided centre-back too. Guehi ticks every box for Newcastle, while he would also be a statement of intent.
However, it is more important that Newcastle sign a winger. That is the position that needs the most attention.
Miguel Almiron has struggled in pre-season, while it is unclear how long Jacob Murphy’s purple patch will go on for.
The Magpies need genuine quality on that flank, and Noni Madueke is currently the leading candidate to provide it.
Chelsea may have to get rid of the 22-year-old, which could present Paul Mitchell with an opportunity. It has been suggested that Newcastle are considering an approach for Madueke, and he is certainly a player with potential that Eddie Howe can work with.
Howe is a fan of Madueke, and can take the winger’s game to the next level – just like he did with Anthony Gordon on the opposite flank.
If finances allow it, Mitchell needs to complete a deal for Guehi and Madueke before August 30th. Both positions are vital, while the club have identified two players who fit the profile.
One departure is vital for Newcastle as Miguel Almiron is linked with leaving
The third deal that Mitchell needs to complete this summer is an outgoing transfer.
Miguel Almiron has been linked with leaving, with MLS side Charlotte FC showing an interest.
Selling Almiron would help Newcastle’s PSR situation, while it would also freshen up Howe’s attack.
If he were to go, it would likely mean someone else arriving – possibly Madueke. If that was the case, you would be replacing Almiron with someone who is eight years younger and has a lot more potential.
It is the type of player trading that Newcastle need to do to evolve, otherwise Howe’s side will stagnate. Almiron has done well at times in black and white, but he has reached his upper limit. 2024 has been a poor year for him, and there is no reason to believe it could get better. And the longer Newcastle wait to sell, the less valuable he will become.
While Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Almiron, sentiment needs to be put to one side. If there is a chance of Madueke arriving then Mitchell needs to move Miggy out. Newcastle do not need three right wingers, but they certainly need to improve their current options.
Perfect summer is still possible for Newcastle
If they can combine one in one out in that position with the arrival of Marc Guehi then it could be a perfect end to a frustrating summer.
It has not been the transfer window that Toon fans were expecting. PSR has proven to be an issue, while major targets have passed Newcastle by.
But with all of those factors taken into consideration, it will prove to be a very strong transfer window if Paul Mitchell can complete those three transfers within the next three weeks. The pressure is very much on for Newcastle’s sporting director to deliver.
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