The free agent market is Eddie Howe’s only remaining avenue to improve his Newcastle United squad.
For a third successive window, Eddie Howe was denied any direct improvements to his starting lineup at Newcastle United.
An underwhelming summer transfer window dampened the mood around St James’ Park and Newcastle’s squad has only become weaker over the winter.
Miguel Almiron returned to MLS and Lloyd Kelly joined Juventus on loan – a deal that is set to become permanent in the summer for £20m.
While neither Almiron nor Kelly were regular starters this season, their departures signficantly weakened the options available to Howe in two areas that were already needing improvement.
Eddie Howe does not want free agent signings
While the winter window has now closed, Newcastle could still sign free agents to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.
There are several transfer targets on Newcastle’s radar that are set to become free agents in the summer.
Newcastle want to sign Angel Gomes, while Jonathan David is set to be available once his Lille deal expires.
But the current free agent market is nothing extraordinary, and The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has revealed that Howe is not keen on signing any free agents.
“There is no indication that Newcastle are looking to bring in any free agents and it is not something Howe is inclined to do outside of transfer windows. Loris Karius joining in 2022 was very much a case of specific circumstances, with multiple goalkeepers injured and a squad place remaining available,” Waugh wrote.
“But, beyond a goalkeeper, of which Newcastle already have five, it is not an avenue which Howe tends to pursue. For a start, the calibre of player required to genuinely improve the squad, never mind the starting XI, is so high that there are precious few, if any, free agents who meet the necessary requirements.”
Eddie Howe prefers to reward Newcastle United academy stars
Instead of turning to the free agent market, Waugh claims Howe would “rather offer an opportunity to a youngster from the academy”.
Two youngsters on the brink of becoming first-team regulars as Sean Neave and Trevan Sanusi.
Neave was named in Newcastle’s matchday squad for the 3-2 win over Birmingham City in the FA Cup, with the 17-year-old forward an option off the bench if needed.
Sanusi made his Newcastle debut against Bromley last month, and the 17-year-old winger is viewed as one of the most exciting prospects at the club.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe names one thing Trevan Sanusi must improve to play regularly for Newcastle United
Almiron’s sale could benefit Sanusi, providing more first-team opportunities for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
If Newcastle find themselves in need of extra firepower, Sanusi and Neave could get their chance.
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