Which position Newcastle United officials think needs improving most in the January transfer window

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It remains unclear what Newcastle United will do during the January transfer window.

There is a clear need for reinforcements. Newcastle United need a centre-back and a right winger, just like they did in the summer.

Those needs have not gone away. However, the order in which each position should be prioritised remains a topic of debate.

In the summer, Newcastle United prioritised a centre-back, as they pursued Marc Guehi. That pursuit failed.

It had been claimed that Newcastle will prioritise a winger in January, with Eddie Howe clearly lacking quality in that position.

However, an injury to Emil Krafth has cast a fresh light on Newcastle’s shortcomings in defence, suggesting that a new centre-back should be the first port of call when the transfer window reopens.

What Newcastle’s January priority is

Alas, it looks like a fresh face in attack remains Paul Mitchell’s priority.

That is according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who has written in a Q&A that Newcastle still see right wing as their top priority, as it is ‘the area they feel can be most improved upon’.

I have to agree with that stance, even though the Magpies do desperately need more cover in defence.

While Sven Botman is due to return from injury, he is a left-sided centre-back. What Newcastle need is a right-sided centre-back – someone who can compete with Fabian Schar before becoming his long-term replacement.

Marc Guehi could fill that role, but a move in January does not appear to be on the cards. Crystal Palace are expected to keep Guehi next month, as Newcastle prepare to look elsewhere.

Newcastle can improve their starting XI with winger signing

In terms of improving Newcastle’s starting XI, Mitchell is absolutely right to prioritise signing a right-sided attacker.

It is the one position that really lets this Newcastle side down, despite Eddie Howe’s attempts to rectify the problem.

Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are both better on the left, while Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron simply are not good enough.

Joelinton is also not the solution to Newcastle’s problem, which means it is vital that a new winger is bought in 2025.

The Magpies have multiple players who can operate in that position. However, no one has made the position their own, which is why Newcastle continue to prioritise a right winger despite desperately needing a bit of extra cover in defence.

Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s dream signing, but a deal for the Brentford attacker feels unlikely. Newcastle know Mbeumo will be very expensive, so it would come as a surprise if he joined Eddie Howe’s side in January.

Elsewhere, Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle are fans of Johan Bakayoko.