The Magpies failed in their bid to make a big-money signing before deadline day but have plans in place for January
Newcastle United must move quickly to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, with defence being the top priority. That’s according to the results of the big NUFC poll after the summer window closed without a signficiant new arrival.
The Magpies were frustrated in their efforts to clinch a marquee signing before last month’s transfer deadline, and although five players were signed over the summer, only two have featured for Eddie Howe’s side so far. One of those, Lewis Hall, was already at the club, with his loan move from Chelsea made permanent.
The other newcomers have not yet made an appearance, however in July Lloyd Kelly moved from Bournemouth on a free transfer. when John Ruddy filled in for Martin Dubravka as the backup goalkeeper for two games when the Slovakian was sidelined due to concussion procedures, Will Osula has started the first four games on the bench. Odysseas Vlachodimos, a former custodian for Benfica and Nottingham Forest, is not included in the matchday squads as of yet.
After making a strong move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, United was disappointed when the transfer window closed because they were unable to reach an agreement with the Eagles. Emil Krafth has had to play centre defence with Dan Burn as Fabian Schar’s red card on the first day of the match against Southampton has ruled out Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for the foreseeable future.
Despite Krafth’s strong play, our most recent Newcastle survey revealed that United needs to improve their defensive alternatives. 57% of supporters said the Magpies should make improvements in this area in January.
The club were also linked with several forwards over the last few months, but only Osula arrived as a new attacking option, with the Denmark U21 international very much one of the future. Howe has Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy to compete for the other wing slot, alongside Anthony Gordon, while Callum Wilson and Osula can provide back-up for striker Alexander Isak.
However 37 per cent of fans are keen for Newcastle to target a forward player in January, while only six per cent felt the midfield needed strengthening. Sandro Tonali’s return has provided a much-needed boost in that area, wth Joe Willock and Lewis Miley expected to return from injury lay-offs in the coming weeks.
Despite continued links with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, only one per cent of fans who answered felt a goalkeeper should be a priority, with Nick Pope back following last season’s shoulder operation.
Significantly, when asked what the biggest concern for the coming months was, following the transfer window disappointments, squad depth was the biggest issue. A total of 57 per cent of respondents felt that was the biggest problem facing the club before January, with the starting XI an issue for 21 per cent.
Some supporters are also concerned about Eddie Howe’s future in the background, given that England is searching for a new manager. Although Howe’s name is still associated with the national team, 22 percent of respondents said that was United’s top issue. Lee Carsley has been named interim manager.
