On the most recent episode of the TIFO Football Podcast for The Athletic, Alex Stewart, Joe Devine, Chris Waugh and Seb Stafford-Bloor have been discussing some of the ‘sensible transfers’ that Newcastle United should consider this summer.
Those on the podcast seem quite concerned with Steve Bruce’s attacking options ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, with Devine suggesting that both Joelinton and Yoshinori Muto are not training at this moment in time, whilst Dwight Gayle looks to be set for an extended period on the sidelines after he picked up an injury in a pre-season game against Crewe recently (per Sky Sports).
This leaves Andy Carroll as the only currently available striker in Bruce’s squad and considering his injury history, you could certainly suggest that signing a striker ahead of the new season should be considered a priority right now.
Devine asked for Waugh’s thoughts on the striker situation at Newcastle, saying:
“Also, Joelinton and Yoshinori Muto aren’t training at the moment. Andy Carroll is the only available centre-forward and despite his fantastic goal the other day, I don’t know how promising that is ahead of the new season. Is there anything being done in this area, Chris, or am I overly panicked?”
Waugh replies, saying:
“I wouldn’t say overly panicked, I think a lot of Newcastle fans share the same sort of panic as you. Dwight Gayle ended the season as Newcastle’s centre-forward last year. He scored four goals after the restart. Newcastle have spent two years trying to sell him and he’s in the final year of his contract, but he was seen as likely to start this season as the centre-forward. Well, he’s injured his knee, a matter of months it looks like he’s going to be out for, that’s my understanding of it.
“Joelinton – the club haven’t confirmed why he has been out, there have been reports that he’s had to self-isolate having been away. Yoshinori Muto is someone who the club I think ideally would like to sell, but they may have to re-evaluate that now. Andy Carroll, yeah [he] scored that goal against Crewe, but that is the first goal he’s scored since we signed him for Newcastle United – durability obviously is an issue there; it has been the priority all along, certainly, for Steve Bruce.
“My understanding is that they have sort of stepped up conversations on that [signing a striker] this week to try and look at that. They are also one of 10 or so clubs who would like Rhian Brewster if he was to go out on loan from Liverpool.”
TIF Thoughts…
From what Waugh suggests, the Toon are keen on signing a new striker and it is a priority for Steve Bruce during the rest of the transfer window.
Do you agree that Newcastle need a striker?
Yes
No
The North-East club will no doubt be keen to add a forward to their ranks ahead of the season opener against West Ham United later this month, otherwise, they may risk getting off to a poor start in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.