Between a mounting injury crisis and an increasingly concerning Profit and Sustainability Rules situation, Newcastle United’s squad looks like it could be in for a drastic overhaul in the coming weeks and months. Since the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund stepped in to take a majority share of the club in 2021 Newcastle have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success. The club has climbed up the table and even brought European football back to St.James’ Park for the first time in two decades. Unfortunately for the Magpies, that has come at a cost. Increased fixture congestion from lengthy cup runs and additional European football has stretched Eddie Howe’s squad thin. Furthermore, the club’s financial losses of £73.4 million in the financial year to June 2023 mean that despite the board taking a contextually frugal approach to transfers, there could be a need to sell in January as to avoid a similar fate to that of Nottingham Forest or Everton. Despite teetering on the edge of financial fair play, Howe has remained resolute in his determination to keep players vital to his squad’s ambitions for the future as well as bolster some key areas around the park. It’s a tricky balancing act to pull off but with an incredible recruitment record over the last two years there is no reason to believe it’s beyond the realm of possibility. Here’s a look at some of the potential names heading in and out of Howe’s side in the coming weeks or summer.
Jean-Clair Todibo – IN
The 24-year-old has been closely monitored by Newcastle for months now with his impressive displays for Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice catching the eye of Eddie Howe. The Frenchman has been an integral part of the club’s immense defensive displays this season which has seen them concede three fewer goals than current Ligue 1 leaders Paris St-Germain. Todibo has been at the heart of their defence, a defence that has the best record in Europe registering 11 clean sheets from their 18 league games, including a run of eight consecutive clean sheets. He is one of Europe’s most highly sought-after defenders with good reason but that also provides a roadblock for Newcastle. Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all registered an interest in signing the central defender with the Red Devils in particular leading the charge. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% stake in United paired with his ownership of Nice set up a difficult challenge to overcome for Todibo to sign on at Newcastle. That’s before we even consider the fairly hefty sum someone of Todibo’s talents would fetch in the market, but then again, stranger things have happened. Put this down as one to watch should there be enough funds available in the summer.
Morgan Gibbs-White – IN
While the Magpies’ scenario is less than ideal, it does not compare to that of Nottingham Forest’s. The Midlands club might still be deducted points for breaches of financial rules and could look to sell some players to offset the damage. Even if they weren’t to suffer points deductions they are still contenders for the drop this season and some top players could be heading for the exit door anyway. Chief among those is Gibbs-White who has been in sensational form this season. His acquisition would also significantly help Newcastle bolster their attacking options with Calum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton all potentially heading elsewhere in the near future. BettingOdds will often provide odds for transfer bets.
Kieran Trippier – OUT
This will be a bittersweet pill for Newcastle fans to swallow should it come to fruition but with every passing day it seems more likely. Since arriving as the first new signing after the PIF’s takeover, the defender has set the standard and been the catalyst for Newcastle’s turnaround from relegation survivors to European contenders. His impact on the pitch both in terms of leadership and performance has been exemplary and the team has profited immensely from that. However, the former England international is now 33-years-old and entering the last 18 months of his current contract on Tyneside, there will be fewer opportunities in the future to charge a healthy fee for an exit. To add further fuel to that fire, there is a decent amount of interest from some high-profile clubs in attaining the defender’s services for themselves with the club recently turning down a bid from German champions Bayern Munich. It is understood Trippier himself is not pushing for a move away as things stand but eventually push might come to shove and Newcastle’s hand might be forced into saying goodbye with a sad send-off.
Joelinton – OUT
This will come as no surprise after Howe brought it up at a recent press conference but the 27-year-old Brazilian could be the next one on the chopping block. Joelinton has flourished in his new midfield role with some solid performances earning him three goals and four assists so far this season. In terms of his contributions to the team he has never been better, so you can understand Howe’s frustration with the current predicament. The Brazilian has been ruled out until May with a significant thigh injury that required surgery but there’s also the small matter of his contract running out in less than 18 months. His value remains high and parting company to alleviate the strain felt by PSR will feel far more appealing than letting go of any of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimares, Anthony Gordon and co. for some more immediate financial relief. That combined with recent disputes over wages means that despite Howe’s desire to keep him on the books, the club may be forced to cut their losses and sell up.
