Newcastle United have enjoyed a respectable start to the season, sitting in 7th place with 12 points from their first seven Premier League games.
It’s still early in the season to predict outcomes, but Newcastle will most definitely be chasing a top 4 Champions League spot.
The truth is despite a promising position in the table, injuries and key absences have exposed vulnerabilities in the squad, particularly in defense and attack, prompting the need for a proactive January transfer window.
Manager Eddie Howe, whose strong bond with Newcastle fans remains intact after guiding them back to the Champions League, is under pressure to maintain momentum amidst challenges.
The Magpies have not been at their scoring best so far, scoring only 8 so far when compared to their 18 goals at this point last season.
The primary reason for this is an out of form Alexander Isak, who has struggled to consistently find the back of the net so far with a goal and an assist in 5 games.
Unfortunately for Isak and Newcastle, they’ll have to wait till the end of October to see Isak in action again as he misses out due to a toe injury.
Veteran Callum Wilson has also been in and out of the squad due to injuries and isn’t available until end of October.
It’s because of these injuries that Howe has been forced to play Gordon up top and now has made it a top priority to sign a striker in the January window.
Interest in Jonathan David
Lille’s Jonathan David has emerged as a prime target. It’s almost as if David is linked with every club that’s looking to take steps in the January market as his name has popped up with Barcelona as well.
The Canadian striker, in the final year of his contract has had an impressive start to the season, continuing to build his reputation as a reliable goalscorer making him a potential solution to Newcastle’s issues in front of goal.
But what might play a deciding factor in his arrival is Newcastle’s ability to secure Champions League football for next season.
Paul Mitchell’s priority signing in January
While Eddie Howe has set his sights on a striker, Paul Mitchell, the sporting director at Newcastle has other ideas.
Mitchell will want to bring in a Center Back and a Right Winger, two key positions he failed to sign during the summer window.
It is rumored that Newcastle will try again for Marc Guehi after multiple failed attempts in the summer- their ideal man for the right sided centre back problem.
Although the club is hopeful that both Lascelles and Sven Botman will return from their injuries in January- ensuring a little more depth in terms of defensive positions, there’s no harm in bringing in an experienced player like Guehi.
Winger issues
Another gap in the Magpies side comes not because of an injury, but purely due to lack of form and productivity in terms of chances created and goals.
The right wing spot currently occupied by Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy is a major issue in what should be a deadly attack.
Almiron has had purple patches in every season but has struggled to show continuity in terms of good performances.
He’s managed only 30 minutes this season and has struggled to produce any attacking returns.
This situation automatically puts Newcastle in the chase for signing a right winger, and reports believe they will target Anthony Elanga once again.
Another one of Mitchell’s failed ventures was Elanga from Nottingham Forest- who rejected Newcastle’s late bid of £50million in the transfer window.
There were even talks about Miguel Almiron moving to Forest as part of the Elanga deal, but the transfer window closed with the Swedish winger still at the City Ground.
Other targets include Leroy Sane, Jarrod Bowen and Noni Madueke, but all of these players are either committed at their clubs or in Sane’s case- gaining attention from more prolific sides.
Balancing books
While these potential arrivals could strengthen Newcastle’s squad, the club also faces the challenge of balancing its books due to PSR rules.
One player who could help Newcastle alleviate their financial concerns is Sean Longstaff.
The 26-year-old midfielder, a homegrown talent, has less than a year left on his contract, and with no extension in sight, selling him in January makes sense from a business perspective.
Although Eddie Howe has expressed interest in extending his contract, offloading Longstaff would allow the club to generate a significant profit, as all income from the sale of homegrown players is considered pure profit under the PSR rules.
All in all the outcome depends largely on Paul Mitchell and if he can redeem himself after a disappointing summer window, where the club failed to land key targets.
It is clear Newcastle cannot continue with Gordon up top as they then lack creativity on the flank, and more defensive cover is a must to avoid issues if an injury arises.
The January window presents a pivotal moment for Paul Mitchell.
If he can navigate the financial constraints while securing reinforcements, it could strengthen both his relationship with Eddie Howe and the club’s overall prospects.
These strategic moves would keep Newcastle’s ambitions for a top-four finish well within reach, positioning the club for success in the second half of the season.