The transfer window was hugely underwhelming for Newcastle United but there is still an opportunity to add to Eddie Howe’s squad even beyond the deadline.
It was a summer to forget for the Magpies. The club was left scrambling on deadline day to try and bring in late additions after missing out on top targets.
Newcastle pushed hard to sign Marc Guehi but the deal collapsed with hours remaining in the window after Crystal Palace continued to increase their asking price.
A centre-back was at the top of Newcastle’s shopping list, but a new right-sided winger was also a top priority and the club failed to land any of their top targets despite a late bid for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga on deadline day.
Newcastle had a £100million budget over the summer but ended the window having made a profit from their transfer business.
Adrien Rabiot available after contract snub
There are still opportunities for Newcastle to dip into the market even after the transfer window slammed shut.
A new midfielder is not necessarily a top priority with Sandro Tonali returning from his suspension and Joelinton signing a new contract.
Adrien Rabiot has been linked to Newcastle since leaving Juventus this summer when his contract expired.
A number of European clubs have shown an interest in signing the 29-year-old French international and he has left his options open after his latest contract decision.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Adrien Rabiot has rejected contract proposals from Turkey including Galatasaray.
Romano adds that Rabiot is not considering bids from the Saudi Pro League as he wants to stay within Europe’s top five leagues and is still waiting to weigh up his options.
Adrien Rabiot is not worth the risk
After a poor summer of business, there may be a growing pressure inside St James’ Park to put things right with an eye-catching move for a free agent.
But while Rabiot is ‘extraordinary‘, he is also a risk. Signing him would come free of charge, but his wage demands would unsettle the current structure at the club.
READ MORE: Newcastle have already pinpointed ‘very good’ player as a transfer target
Additionally, the midfield department in Eddie Howe’s squad is the least of Newcastle’s concerns. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Tonali are building a solid relationship in the heart of midfield while Lewis Miley, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock all add quality in depth.
All focus in terms of new additions should be put towards sourcing a top-class centre-back and right-sided winger. They would immediately improve the starting XI.
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