The January transfer window has been and gone for Newcastle United, who now turn their attention towards the summer.
Newcastle improved their PSR position in January, but were unable to strengthen their squad with the additional headroom.
If anything, Eddie Howe’s squad is weaker. Miguel Almiron has joined Atlanta United, while Lloyd Kelly moved to Juventus on loan. Newcastle will receive £20million for the defender in the summer when the deal becomes permanent.
As fans reflect on a frustrating January transfer window and start to think about the summer, Geordie Boot Boys have conducted a Q&A with TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey about what is going on at St James’ Park.
The transfer risk that Newcastle United have taken
After Newcastle opted against making any signings during the January transfer window, we asked Bailey what he thinks of the risk that the Magpies have taken as they aim to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
“It is a massive risk for Newcastle,” he said.
“Eddie Howe accepted weeks ago that he was not getting any players in, but he really didn’t want to to see his squad weakened, which has happened. The starting XI has not been, but Almiron and Kelly have seen the squad weakened and it might not be over over yet as Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett could both go with the Turkish and American windows still open.”
Kieran Trippier is a target for Galatasaray, while Charlotte FC are fans of Matt Targett. It would be a huge shock if the Magpies let either player go now that the English transfer window is closed.
How missing out on Champions League could impact Newcastle’s transfer plans
Newcastle United know that qualifying for the Champions League is massively important, as they aim to retain superstars like Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.
“It would be absolutely massive if they miss out, mainly due to the players they would lose,” Bailey said.
“If they don’t finish top-four, the chances of them keeping Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes would be massively reduced.
“The flipside, if they do make top-four, is it opens up the market to a host of names.
“They are currently working on options for both scenarios.”
Whether Newcastle United will splash the cash after PSR boost
They have boosted their PSR position, but Newcastle will not have a limitless budget this summer. There will be money to spend, but Bailey does not necessarily think that the Magpies need to splash the cash.
“It goes back to the point of where they finish,” he said.
“If they finish top-four then they will have more money to do it, but then will they need a spree? Of course not. But outside top-four they will need it as they will lose players.
“But to the original point, do Newcastle need a spending spree? Far from it. A right-sided defender to eventually replace Fabian Schar and more options on the right will again be their priority.
“However, I still maintain the squad are missing a number 10.”
Eddie Howe’s possible summer transfer budget
Newcastle’s transfer budget will depend on where they finish this season, while it could also be enhanced by more outgoings.
“The budget depends on the finish – it will be substantial if required – but again it could be big if they sell one of their prized assets,” he said.
That crazy Justin Kluivert to Newcastle United claim
Following the closure of the January transfer window, it was claimed that Newcastle could replace Alexander Isak with Justin Kluivert. That seemed laughable, as the Bournemouth attacker is not a striker. Unsurprisingly, Bailey has shut down that ridiculous rumour.
“He wouldn’t not be the replacement for Isak,” he said.
“I think he would be more likely to fill the right-sided role. If Isak does go, they would need a new number nine and Kluivert is not that.”
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