The January transfer window opens in a matter of days, and it’s an opportunity for Eddie Howe to strengthen his side. I’ve taken a look at my preferred options in key areas for Newcastle United.
It’s difficult to say exactly what positions we should prioritise this window, and what resources we have to sign those players, but what’s for sure is that we need to add more quality to this squad. That’s how we bridge the gap between us and the big six.
RIGHT WINGER
The priority position has to be a forward of some kind. For me, that needs to be a left-footer who plays predominantly off the right – and ideally (but not mandatory) someone who can play centrally as well.
The reason I want a left-footer is for balance. Almirón is our only left-footed forward, and his tendency to cut in allows us to access Trippier on the overlap. Almirón’s lack of quality is often notable, but a player of a similar profile is needed.
The question is how we balance the need for quality vs a good profile fit. There are top quality options available who perhaps don’t fit the system as well, versus lower quality players who’ll fit in seamlessly. The other constraint is working out what’s viable in January.
If we’re talking long-term options, then I think Bryan Mbeumo is the player for us. He ticks every box, is able to play centrally, has Premier League experience, and is as reliable as they come. It won’t happen in January though, so here’s three options we could pursue next month:
3. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) – He’s only number three because I think it’s very unlikely for Newcastle. Olise is as surefire a success you can find on the winger market, and it’ll probably be Man City who pick him up. The definition of a wide creator, and is such a good ball-striker.
2. Nicolás González (Fiorentina) – He’s a player I’ve raved about since his Stuttgart days, and his profile keeps rising. Technically strong and clever in his movement, the Argentine has the added bonus of having ability to play anywhere across the front three.
1. Johan Bakayoko (PSV) – The Belgian has picked up 17 goal contributions this season, and has quickly become one of the most valuable RWs on the market. An excellent athlete and a mazy dribbler, Bakayoko excels at driving off the right flank and combining in the right half-space.
Other options:
- Raphinha (Barcelona) – big wages, but not impossible
- Matías Soulé (Juventus) – May be one for the summer unless Juventus cancel his loan early.
- Viktor Tsygankov (Girona) – Great fit for Newcastle, but unlikely to leave Girona now.
Very few fans ever seem to mention the possibility of playing Gordon on the right which he can do very well and Barnes on the left when he’s fit plus we have the options of playing Jolinton and Anderson on the left if needs be
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Olise is the type of player that can thrive at Newcastle , TBH all of the 3 above much better options than what we have, not sold on Gordon let alone Barnes if I’m honest.
BMlondon(Quote)
What I see as our main problem is passing accuracy and creative passing in the final third. All the teams seem to have figured out the Almiron-Trippier tricks and now the crosses into the box are so easily cleared. Bruno always hits his long-passes and crosses short which doesn’t help improve chances. I reckon that Bakayoko would, with all of those phenomenal stats and 17 goal contributions, be the best possible option. Kick Miggy into a higher gear to actually score, and having another young, electric winger who may be better than Gordon would push Gordon harder too – given his aim to be one of the best in the premier league. Having Miggy oppose Gordon doesn’t give him much room to grow due to Miggy’s poor form this season, Gordon is already much better.
So many pivotal chances spurned by Almiron, I can barely watch him play these days as it so rarely ends in anything but “MIGGY MAN! WHAT YA DOIN?!”
George(Quote)