After an extremely disappointing January transfer window, Newcastle United’s summer plans look very different.
The Magpies are preparing for another summer of change, although the volume of changes might depend on whether or not Eddie Howe‘s side qualify for Europe. They are currently sixth in the Premier League, and their position was boosted by Manchester City progressing in the FA Cup at the weekend.
No matter what happens, Newcastle United will need to address their defence. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have both suffered ACL injuries, which means it is absolutely vital that a centre-back arrives this summer.
Lloyd Kelly appears to be the favourite to sign for Newcastle, while the club are also looking at Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo. Importantly, both players are set to become free agents.
That will mean that more money is available to invest elsewhere in the squad, but there is one position that Newcastle United are not planning to strengthen in.
What Newcastle United failed to do in January
During the January transfer window, the Magpies’ priority was to sign a centre-midfielder.
Eddie Howe was struggling for options in that area of the pitch, with Sandro Tonali suspended and Joe Willock struggling with an Achilles problem. Elliot Anderson was also out with a back injury, while the situation worsened after Joelinton went down in the Tyne Wear derby and was forced to undergo surgery.
Newcastle had plenty of targets on their radar, with Kalvin Phillips looking like the most likely to arrive on loan from Manchester City. There was confidence over a deal – it felt like a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.
But it ended up being never, with the Magpies changing their mind and allowing Phillips to join West Ham.
Newcastle had other targets, with Amadou Onana, Philip Billing and Ederson linked with moves to St James’ Park.
In the end, no senior player arrived. Newcastle did not have the funds to sign a midfielder, with profit and sustainability rules holding them back.
How Newcastle now feel about signing a centre-midfielder
Now we are hurtling towards the summer transfer window, and Newcastle’s January failings are leading to a U-turn with regards to midfield.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle are now less likely to target a centre-midfielder this summer, with other positions taking priority.
They state that the club want a centre-back, a versatile forward and a goalkeeper.
Good decision by Newcastle officials
While it felt like a centre-midfielder was vital in January, that is no longer the case.
The Magpies survived without a new signing arriving, and will be in a much stronger position next season.
The big factor is that Tonali will be back from his ban, while Joelinton will be fit again soon as well. On top of that, he has signed a new contract which means Newcastle do not need to sell him this summer.
Once those two players are back, as well as Joe Willock and Lewis Miley who are injured, Newcastle will have seven centre-midfielders. They will be well stocked in that position, meaning it is right that Toon officials address other positions in the squad.
The only reason plans should change is if someone like Bruno Guimaraes is sold, which is currently looking less likely.
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