Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his Newcastle United squad in January, but will not just sign any type of player.
The Newcastle United manager has always been meticulous in his approach to recruitment, and that will not change following Ross Wilson’s arrival as sporting director.
The Magpies want to sign a defender during the January transfer window, with Dayann Methalie a target for Newcastle United.
Would you take Wilson back at Newcastle as a third choice striker? 👀
Another centre-midfielder would also be welcomed, but a player like Kees Smit is unlikely to arrive midway through the season.
But what about a maverick attacker who can unlock a defence with ease?
Eddie Howe disputes Newcastle United’s need for a ‘maverick’
In years gone by, Newcastle United have had plenty of mavericks. The likes of David Ginola, Tino Asprilla, Hatem Ben Arfa and Allan Saint-Maximin were fan favourites with their off the cuff style of play.
A player with their kind of creativity would certainly be welcomed to St James’ Park by Newcastle United fans, but Eddie Howe is not fully on board with the idea of adding a ‘maverick’ to his squad.
“The maverick, sort of playmaker type, has to fit into the team,” he said, as reported by the Chronicle.
“The success here has always been built on the team. One to 11 working in unison so whoever you get who is the ‘bag of tricks’ has to fit into the team structure.
“I wouldn’t do something or bring in an individual that harms the team. It has to be to the team’s benefit.”
Do Newcastle United need to sign a ‘number 10’ in January?
Imagine having a maverick like HBA or Ginola again! 😍
Newcastle United do miss a creative midfielder
Howe is right in what he is saying. While it would be great to have a maverick attacker who can create opportunities out of nothing, it cannot be to the detriment of the rest of the team.
In a perfect world, Newcastle could bring in another centre-midfielder who can unlock a defence, as well as boasting the intensity required to thrive in the Toon engine room.
The answer to this issue could be Nick Woltemade, as he has already showcased his desire to be creative. He looks ideally suited to playing alongside another striker or as an attacking midfielder, with Yoane Wissa and Woltemade keen to play together.
Hopefully that happens soon, although we might have to wait until Howe has another striker in reserve. Will Osula is still injured, while there is speculation he could leave during the January transfer window.
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