The January transfer window is finally open, and it’s going to need to be an impactful one for Newcastle United if we want to steer our season in the right direction.
Plenty of names have been linked, with it looking very likely that our main focus will be on bringing in a young midfielder from Europe and a versatile full-back able to compete with Lewis Hall after his injury-hit 2025.
Eddie Howe may have said not to set expectations too high over transfer activity, but Alan Shearer is expecting to see some movement on Tyneside over the coming weeks…
Shearer expects January signings
Alan Shearer has backed Newcastle United to secure a couple of new signings this month, believing a January boost could be key to our resurgence following a tough end to 2025.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer talked up the need for an addition in three key positions, believing there will be some movements with a defender, midfielder and/or forward all possibilities.
“The transfer window is now open, and my guess is Newcastle will bring a couple in. Maybe another forward, midfielder, or defender to strengthen.”
Squad depth has been a significant issue for Howe this season, and as much as many of us want to see youngsters like Sean Neave get the nod at some point, Howe needs first team talent to freshen up the squad and get some big results.
Shearer feels Newcastle are close to getting right back in the mix – we are only two points behind Man Utd in 5th – and hopes a strong January, on and off the pitch, can set up a strong end to the 2025/26 season.
“If you talk to me next week and they get two or three wins, they could be in the top six and everything looking great.
“Three weeks ago we talked about Fulham in a relegation battle, and now they’re 10th after winning three on the spin in December.
“If Newcastle can do that, it propels them up the table. But I do expect movement there.”
Two positions prioritised?
With the future of Joe Willock looking uncertain beyond this season and Joelinton missing several games through injury in recent years, it’s a smart move from Ross Wilson and the recruitment team to try and get another young midfielder on the books and maintain Howe having at least six players to choose from for his three man system.
Feyenoord’s Luciano Valente and Auxerre’s Kevin Danois may be ones to watch, with a £40m deal for Kees Smit looking increasingly unlikely as interest intensifies over the AZ Alkmaar sensation.
And even though Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento are back from injury, our lack of full-back depth has been an issue this season, seeing Newcastle explore a deal for highly-rated Toulouse star Dayann Methalie.
Equally, if Trippier departs this month, an experienced option could be a wise addition at right-back until England youth talent Leo Shahar is ready to be promoted to the senior squad, having won widespread acclaim for his recent performances in our Under-21 team.
