Christmas may be on the horizon, but football enthusiasts are already immersed in thoughts about the upcoming January transfer window, especially considering the slew of injuries plaguing Newcastle United. While manager Eddie Howe remains focused on the game, sporting director Dan Ashworth has been fielding inquiries about the team’s plans for the winter market.
In a recent discussion with reporters in the north east, Ashworth acknowledged the team’s flexibility and expressed a desire to be active in the transfer market. He emphasized the need for creativity, hinting at a cautious approach to signings, with a focus on strengthening the squad for success.
As the January window approaches, attention turns to potential player departures from Newcastle. Given the current injury crisis, massive squad overhauls seem unlikely. However, several players, including Fabian Schar, Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Loris Karius, Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, and Mark Gillespie, are set to be out of contract at the end of the season. Some of these players, not prominently featured this season, might be considered for transfers to avoid losing them for free.
Players like Manquillo, who attracted interest in the summer but has yet to feature this season due to injury, could be candidates for a January exit. On the other hand, Krafth showcased his capabilities in a recent win over Manchester United, signaling a potential revival in his Newcastle career.
Several players, including Karius and Ritchie, may also be on the radar for potential departures. Karius, despite extending his contract over the summer, hasn’t made a Premier League matchday squad this season. Ritchie’s recent appearances are attributed to injury crises, and his future at the club may depend on his willingness to take on new challenges.
As for potential incomings, Newcastle is expected to reinforce its squad in January. The suspension of Sandro Tonali and a multitude of injured players indicate the team’s need for reinforcements. Speculation surrounds the possible loan signing of Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, although regulatory hurdles may come into play. If Neves isn’t a feasible option, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips could be considered to fill the void until Tonali’s return.
Defensively, Newcastle has been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, a highly-rated 19-year-old central defender. The team might also explore options for a third-choice striker to cover for the absence of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak’s return from injury.
In summary, Newcastle appears poised for activity in the January transfer window, with potential incomings and outgoings on the horizon. The club aims to navigate the market creatively while addressing specific positional needs.
