Newcastle United are bracing themselves for what will be a very challenging January transfer window.
The Magpies let themselves down in the summer, with Paul Mitchell failing to bring in a right-sided centre-back or a right winger. They were Newcastle United’s two priorities, but neither arrived.
They remain the priorities heading into January, but PSR will continue to be an issue for Eddie Howe and co.
It has been claimed that a winger will be Newcastle’s top priority, with Howe needing a bit of extra quality on the right of attack. However, the need has lessened following the decision to play Joelinton out wide.
Meanwhile, Emil Krafth’s injury may force the Magpies to change their plans. Newcastle may have to prioritise a centre-back again, as Fabian Schar currently has no direct cover and is under to pressure to remain fit and avoid suspension.
Differing opinions behind the scenes at Newcastle United
In a perfect world, Newcastle will spend big money on a winger and a centre-back in January. However, there is some reluctance within the club to break the bank when 2025 arrives.
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ plans for January.
“It’s going to be fascinating to see what Newcastle do in January,” he said.
“I’m getting different information from different parts of the club. I think there are some parts of the club that are pushing to spend pretty big in January and go for it, but there are other people that are fairly hesitant.”
The ‘perfect’ January transfer window for Newcastle United
If Newcastle do decide to spend big in January, they will then have to decide what to spend big on – a centre-back or a winger.
You could argue that they are just as essential as each other, but Newcastle would need to sell in order to make two major signings.
That will be easier said than done, and Bailey has named three players who the Magpies could sell to help them enjoy a ‘perfect’ January transfer window.
“Newcastle need a winger and a centre-back,” he said.
“They need both. It’s as simple as that.
“Almiron and Trippier are the two most likely to go. They would love to move Callum Wilson on, but that has proven to be difficult.
“The perfect January for Newcastle would be selling Wilson, Trippier and Almiron and bringing in a winger and a centre-back. However, that is obviously easier said than done.”
Newcastle may have to make some tough decisions
Newcastle do have players they can move on. However, there will understandably be a reluctance to do so unless replacements are guaranteed.
Kieran Trippier’s future will be up in the air in January once again, after failing to leave St James’ Park in the summer. Trippier did request to leave, but Newcastle decided to keep him.
The only way he would be allowed to leave would be if a new centre-back arrived, which would allow Emil Krafth to be Tino Livramento’s understudy at right-back.
Miguel Almiron was also heavily linked with a departure in the summer. Newcastle did look to sell him, but were unable to strike a deal despite interest from the MLS. Like Trippier, surely Almiron’s exit would only be sanctioned if another attacker was going to arrive in his place.
And the same could go for Callum Wilson, who is in the final year of his contract at Newcastle United and is unlikely to be offered an extension.
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