Newcastle January transfer briefing: CRAIG HOPE reveals who NUFC are after, what three positions need reinforcements and what will happen to Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes
All eyes have been on potential spending in recent weeks, with the medium-term futures of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes up in the air with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City linked.
But for now, the club must focus on a return to the Champions League, which may only require a fifth-place finish this season.
Heading into the final days before the window opens, Newcastle are just two points off that spot with their trip to Old Trafford in hand.
And while their form is on the rise with three league wins in a row, it was winter last season when Eddie Howe’s season fell apart. So they will have no illusions about the need to keep the team fresh and strengthened for the match. -in.
So who could they go after, do they have money to spend and what surprise move could we see on Tyneside?
Here, as part of our series on Premier League clubs’ January transfer plans, our Newcastle expert Craig Hope answers the five big questions.
The medium-term futures of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes are a cause for concern for Newcastle in January
Eddie Howe’s side have been in better form in recent weeks and have won their last three league matches
1. What does Newcastle need?
They haven’t signed a right winger in their three-plus years of Saudi ownership, and that one position is the obvious area for improvement.
That said, Jacob Murphy can’t stop scoring and assisting on goals from that area at the moment. But while his form is good and he is a valuable team member, it would be shortsighted to believe he is the long-term solution.
A right winger who consistently scores and creates can take the team to another level.
In addition, there is still a need for a striker, central defender and goalkeeper. A striker would act as a back-up to Alexander Isak as Callum Wilson’s availability cannot be relied on and he is likely to leave the club on a free transfer this summer. However, this is currently not a priority internally.
A right-sided centre-back, meanwhile, is seen as necessary to replace Fabian Schar, who turned 33 this month, while a goalkeeper to compete with and eventually replace Nick Pope has long been wanted.
Jacob Murphy has been in great form of late, but the Magpies still need a right winger
A right-sided central defender is seen as necessary to succeed Fabian Schar, who turned 33 this month
2. Do they have money to spend?
Having money to spend and being able to spend it are two very different things in a PSR world.
In theory, Newcastle could spend £70m on every player they wanted in this window. However, this would mean they would be in breach of PSR rules in June if there were no player sales to offset the expenditure.
It should be noted that £70m is not needed to balance the books as that is not how PSR works. But the word that has been coming back from the club for some time now is that there can be no income without expenditure in January.
There is also a feeling that not spending in this window would leave them in a much stronger position to invest in future windows – again, this is a consequence of the way PSR is calculated.
The word that has been coming back from the club for some time now is that there cannot be income without expenditure in January
3. Which players are they interested in?
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford remains a target, but it is more likely one for the summer. Similarly, a deal for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi would only be reconsidered if there was an opportunity next month that could not be missed.
Eddie Howe likes Guehi and sees his profile improving his team, but we shouldn’t expect Newcastle to embark on a month-long chase like they did in August.
There is admiration for PSV striker Johan Bakayoko, but as with all potential high-value targets, sources insist they are highly unlikely to arrive on Tyneside in January.
Newcastle pursued Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the summer and interest in him remains in January
4. Who could leave?
Mail Sport announced this month that sporting director Paul Mitchell has told clubs and intermediaries he is listening to offers for midfielder Sean Longstaff.
The club has appealed for a one-year extension to his contract – which now expires in 2026 – in order to protect the value of the youth product. The likes of Leicester, Wolves and Everton are all aware of his availability.
Meanwhile, there is interest in Miguel Almiron from Olympiacos, Santos, Botofago and Charlotte FC, with Newcastle reportedly keen to complete a deal worth around £10 million. That would help with PSR.
Martin Dubravka could leave for Saudi Arabia at the end of this month if Nick Pope returns in good form from a knee injury, but Howe is reluctant to let go of a goalkeeper who is currently his first choice.
Kieran Trippier’s situation is also one to keep an eye on. However, star names such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes will remain at the club, although offers are expected in the summer.
Mail Sport announced this month that Newcastle will listen to offers for midfielder Sean Longstaff
5. What unexpected moves should fans keep an eye on?
The improved health of the Newcastle squad, compared to last season’s interminable injury crisis, means there is no sense of panic internally at the moment.
Even the loss of Wilson to a hamstring injury until February is seen as manageable with Isak fit and Anthony Gordon the alternative.
However, if Isak were to suffer an injury, it would force Newcastle to abandon their current caution and look for a striker, either on loan or a bigger, permanent investment, especially if their star man was dealing with a long-term injury. spell on the sidelines.