Journalist Ben Jacobs believes that Newcastle United will look to add some depth in the goalkeeper position as well as a creative spark in midfield during the January transfer window.
Some key signings were made during the summer by Newcastle, including club-record signing Alexander Isak and the long-sought Sven Botman, but there were only three new faces that arrived alongside returnee Matt Targett, which didn’t really improve the squad depth.
Therefore, players such as Ryan Fraser, Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy have been handed a decent amount of minutes this term, while Loris Karius was drafted in on an emergency basis after Karl Darlow’s injury, which exposed their lack of goalkeeping depth.
Jacobs has claimed on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel that he expects Newcastle and PIF to address the issue of depth in January.
He said: “In January, I just expect a bit of depth in a few key positions – there’s goalkeeper and whether they’re going to bring in a No 2, or someone that can even compete with Nick Pope.
Will Newcastle do business in January?
Yes!
No!
“There’s still that creative-minded player, which is why they were looking at Maddison and Jack Harrison at Leeds for example, but I don’t really think Howe has to do that much at the moment, unless he gets injuries.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s January business…
Adding some depth to the squad and bolstering their options could well be the best plan for Newcastle given they’ve spent well over £200m in 2022 and Amanda Staveley has previously told NUFC TV (via The Chronicle) that January is not really a window they wish to often do lots of business in.
It has been a great start to the season for Newcastle thus far, sitting very nicely inside the top seven, and we feel they have to be considered as a side that can at least look to make a push for Europe this campaign.
Therefore, PIF and Howe may think a few additions in January could be what’s needed to get them over the line if they are still in with a shout of Europe come the new year, although a goalkeeper signing wouldn’t perhaps be the best use of the club’s funds given Nick Pope has been a fine addition this season and is unlikely to be dislodged.