In a Q&A piece for The Athletic, Chris Waugh has been asked if Newcastle still plan to sign a defensive midfielder this summer.
Our search for a new ‘No 6’ was a key focus in January, with Kalvin Phillips heavily linked before he sealed a loan move to West Ham. Atalanta’s Ederson was also mentioned, along with Everton’s Amadou Onana.
However, Waugh reports that our priorities have changed and it’s now quite possible that we opt against signing another midfielder this summer, with at least one centre-back, a versatile forward and another goalkeeper the current focus.
There’s increased hope Bruno Guimaraes will stay, Joelinton has committed his future to the club after signing a new deal, Lewis Miley is now considered a first-team player after his breakout season and Sandro Tonali is due back in August.
Few of those are natural holding midfielders, but ACL injuries to Lascelles and Botman have left us especially weak at centre-back, while Karius and Dubravka could depart this summer and leave us short in the goalkeeper department.
In attack, a versatile forward is also much needed, especially if Callum Wilson is sold now he’s approaching the final 12 months of his contract. Alexander Isak has been outstanding, but he has had his fair share of injuries and would benefit from another option to compete with and/or play alongside.
