Breaking News: Newcastle United sent Clear Transfer message to Eddie Howe considering fresh striker options
What areas do Newcastle United need to strengthen this month?
We’re over three weeks into the January transfer window, and Newcastle United has yet to make a move. Instead, Financial Fair Play has dominated headlines, with expectations moderated from within the club.
But in an ideal scenario, where should the Magpies try to recruit reinforcements this month? Is there a new central midfielder? A new pair of legs at left-back? A new and exciting winger? Or more firepower up front?
We asked our Chronicle Live authors to share their thoughts on the subject. So, with that in mind, if Eddie Howe could only improve ONE position this month, what would it be?
Lee Ryder
In my view, if Newcastle United were to enhance their squad with just one more player, it wouldn’t necessarily be a central midfielder, despite all the buzz surrounding that position. Instead, and I’ve been emphasizing this for a while now, Newcastle truly needs another center-forward.
To a certain extent, Newcastle has been fortunate in two aspects: firstly, that Alexandar Isak and Callum Wilson haven’t simultaneously faced prolonged periods on the sidelines, and secondly, that Anthony Gordon has been effective in front of goal with seven goals to his credit. However, if Gordon’s performance were to decline and Newcastle encounters misfortune with Isak and Wilson, problems could arise.
Therefore, acquiring a new striker would be a significant asset for Eddie Howe’s squad. Undoubtedly, this is the priciest position to reinforce, but there are loan options available. Players like Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal and Danny Ings at West Ham could fill that role. In my opinion, if Newcastle engages in transfers this winter, securing another striker is imperative.
Aaron Stokes
In a perfect world, Newcastle would strengthen their hand in a variety of positions before the end of the month. If it can only be one, it must be a central midfielder.
Even before Joelinton left for Derby Day, Howe’s options in the middle of the park appeared to be limited. Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Miguel Almiron may, unfortunately, be upgraded to newer and more exciting models in the future, but for the time being, they are more than capable of holding their own in this side, on their day.
Instead, resources should be directed toward securing an extra body through the door, even if Sandro Tonali returns later this year.
Hamza Choudhury on loan, anyone?…
Ciaran Kelly
This response might seem uninteresting and expected, but my preference leans towards a midfielder. Even before Joelinton’s recent injury, Newcastle United seemed to lack depth in the midfield, especially with Sandro Tonali suspended until August.
Although Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson are expected to make a comeback, they have faced significant setbacks and should not be hurried back. Considering Newcastle’s injury woes this season, there’s a risk of encountering another midfield issue, leaving Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, and Lewis Miley as the only three fit options for the three starting positions.
This situation implies that Newcastle is just one injury or suspension away from having to rely on Lewis Hall or Fabian Schar in midfield. This potential scenario cannot be dismissed if the team fails to take action this month.
Andrew Musgrove
Answering this question is particularly challenging considering Newcastle United’s pressing need to strengthen various positions, compounded by the harsh reality of having a minimal budget this month.
A glaring issue for Newcastle this season revolves around the absence of a dedicated number six. I emphasized this concern following the summer transfer window, and unfortunately, it has proven to be valid. This need for a defensive midfielder existed before Joelinton’s injury and Sandro Tonali’s suspension.
The team’s style, built on intensity and a high press, has left them exposed on the counter, with even non-superstar players exploiting these vulnerabilities. What Newcastle requires is a midfielder capable of sitting deep, dictating play, and providing a defensive shield—an ankle biter to protect the backline.
Identifying the ideal candidate remains uncertain. While many may point to Kalvin Phillips, I harbor reservations. However, given the financial constraints faced by Newcastle, a loan move appears to be the most plausible deal in this January transfer window.
Stuart Jamieson
Newcastle are desperate for a midfield saboteur to provide a crucial barrier in front of the defence. Too often, they are left vulnerable to a deep-lying forward who can turn and run at the backline.
Kalvin Phillips is the obvious choice, but if that deal becomes too difficult, Newcastle must be prepared with options to complete before deadline day. It may necessitate a minor alteration in formation, but it would undoubtedly free Bruno Guimaraes to be at his creative best, while also allowing Sean Longstaff and, when healthy, Joe Willock to push forward and take advantage of United’s strong press.
Ross Gregory
Your humor adds a light touch to the discussion, but indeed, there’s a serious point about Newcastle United’s squad balance. While left-back seems to be a position with an abundance of options, your astute observation points out the critical neglect in other areas.
Identifying defensive midfield and center forward as the most glaring needs, the center midfield role, often referred to as CDM or No. 6, takes precedence. Dubbed the ‘Makelele role,’ this position requires someone to sit in front of the back four, preventing opposition players from turning in the crucial ‘half-space’ and safeguarding against counter-attacks.
The absence of Sandro Tonali, coupled with significant injuries to Joe Willock, Elliott Anderson, and Joelinton, has left Newcastle alarmingly short in the center of the park. Even if all these players were fit, they don’t fulfill the specific role required. The potential injury to Bruno Guimaraes only underscores the urgency to address this position, as he currently stands as an irreplaceable asset in the squad, desperately in need of support.