The Athletic have released a Saturday morning update on Newcastle’s hunt for midfielder reinforcements following confirmation that Joelinton is facing season-ending surgery.
They report that we are now targeting an ‘athletic, powerful No 8′ over a defensive midfielder, with the injury to Joelinton and ongoing uncertainty over his contract situation leaving us in need of a short term replacement at the very least.
Chris Waugh mentions four players in the piece; Everton’s Amadou Onana, Atalanta’s Ederson, Bournemouth’s Philip Billing and Man Utd’ Scott McTominay.
It’s thought Ederson is more likely to be pursued this summer – Steve Nickson is a huge admirer but Eddie Howe is reluctant to sign overseas players mid-season – while Onana has been ‘watched extensively’ and his Premier League experience is valued.
Billing is mentioned and may be a ‘backup’ option to beef up our squad, while McTominay has been ‘tracked long-term’ by the club.
It’s thought loan-to-buy deals are favourable to help manage our FFP/PSR constraints, but a chunk of our summer budget could be brought forward if it allows us to make the right signing at the right price this month.
Newcastle United want to sign a midfielder in the same mould as Joelinton, with a loan-to-buy move favoured.
But there's no guarantee such a deal will happen before the window closes.@ChrisDHWaugh explains who Newcastle United like and what the complications are.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 20, 2024
Read the article and it wasn’t clear if Waugh was talking kow, summer or deliberately leaving it vague. My conclusion was none named seem likely
GoWest!Mag(Quote)