Journalist Craig Hope has stated that he ‘would expect’ Newcastle United to sign a backup right-back in the January transfer window.
Speaking on Adam Pearson’s YouTube channel, the Daily Mail reporter also discussed what the future may hold for Javier Manquillo.
Leeds United’s Cody Drameh and West Ham United’s Harrison Ashby were linked with the Magpies last month by the Daily Mail. Furthermore, it was also claimed that Newcastle wanted to bring Ashby to the club last summer.
Hope believes a young right-back will be brought in to compete with Kieran Trippier, as he feels Manquillo could be off within the next six months.
He stated: “Right-back, I think is [a priority]. I would expect to see a younger right-back come in as backup for Kieran Trippier, bearing in mind, you’ve got the injury to Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo might be one where I think they will probably leave the football club in the next six months or so.”
TIF Thoughts on Hope’s comments…
We believe that looking to bring in a new right-back is a smart investment for Newcastle and an area they need to strengthen.
Trippier has been immense for the Magpies this season. He’s kept seven clean sheets in the league and has picked up three assists. In addition, he has the highest average Premier League rating on Sofascore of any Newcastle player in the 2022/23 campaign with 7.73.
However, the Englishman is 32 years old, meaning he likely only has a few years left of his career at the top level. Therefore, we think Newcastle need to think about where the future lies in that position.
Manquillo doesn’t appear to be in the plans of Eddie Howe going forward, as he’s made just one Premier League appearance this season.
Emil Krafth is another option, but the Swede is currently out with an injury he suffered against Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup and is not expected back until February.
We could well see one in, one out in January when it comes to Newcastle’s transfer business. A younger right-back could well come in and fill the void should Newcastle decide to sell Manquillo in January, and we feel this would be a sensible move from Eddie Howe.