Eddie Howe has revealed that the club will “assess the month as it goes on” over the January transfer window, suggesting we’ll consider when certain players will return from injury before committing to too many “short-term” deals.
The boss accepts that the current squad us in need of greater number, but hints at a patient approach given the likes of Callum Wilson, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Elliot Anderson are all pushing to return over the coming weeks.
When asked if we are looking at the ‘bigger picture’, rather than focus on ‘short-term fixes’ for players who are currently out injured, Howe said this in response:
“Yes we are (looking at the big picture) – that’s a good way of putting it. We will assess the month as it goes on. Of course, short term there would be a need to bring people in given the numbers and dynamic of the squad currentlly, but we’ll assess as the month goes on as by the end of January we hope to have some big players back.”
“It’s something we’re working on behind the scenes. There’s a lot of work that’s gone on, that’ll never stop regardless of how active you are in the market. Currently, there’s nothing to give you.”
Howe was then asked about reports linking PSG with a big-money move for Bruno Guimaraes, having this to say in response – “When you are talking about your best players you want to keep them at the football club as long as possible so that is certainly our aim.”
On incomings, I understand the patient approach to an extent, as we don’t want to pay unnecessary fees at a time where FFP remains an issue or inflate our squad beyond what it needs to be if certain players will be back before the month is out. However, it’s clear we are in need of that mid-season lift new signings can bring, while a couple of areas of our side currently look weak and in dire need of another option. For example, Willock and Anderson could beef up our midfield options, but neither give us that ball-winning No 6 needed to protect our vulnerable defence.
"Short term, there will need to be a need to bring players in" 💬
Newcastle United Eddie Howe on the clubs plans during the January transfer window 💰👇 pic.twitter.com/g7cWuWpI0T
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 5, 2024
