If Eddie Howe wants to keep his Newcastle United squad competitive and fighting in all four competitions, then we’re going to need some quality reinforcements in the ongoing January transfer window.
Already decimated by injuries to the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, with other key defenders only just returning to fitness, depth in the back line will be paramount.
But bringing in extra attackers could also be of concern to Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson: besides Nick Woltemade, and only very recently Harvey Barnes, our forwards’ output has left a lot to be desired this campaign.
So it’s exciting to hear a new report linking us to one of the stars of this year’s AFCON tournament, and a player we’ve previously been linked with. This time around however, we may face even tougher competition for his signature…
AFCON star eyed up by Newcastle
According to reports in Africa, Newcastle have reignited their interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen talent Christian Kofane, having previously targeted the youngster this past summer.
This comes from Africa Foot, who claim that Newcastle have expressed ‘strong interest’ in the striker, although we aren’t the only ones in the mix, with Man Utd and Real Madrid also big admirers.
The 19-year-old is enjoying a positive campaign with his country at the African Cup of Nations, having netted the decisive goal (his second of the tournament) to knock out South Africa in the last 16.
But things have been more of a mixed bag at club level: he has played less than 50% of his possible minutes for the former Bundesliga champions, but has still managed five goals and five assists across 23 outings in all competitions.
Having only just moved to Germany this past summer from Spanish side Albacete, Kofane is under contract until 2029 and many anticipate the Cameroonian’s market value to surge upwards once he gets more minutes under his belt.
Big rivals for Kofane signature
Unfortunately, we’ll face some stiff competition both this window and in the future if we want to sign Kofane, with Man Utd and Real Madrid thought to be keen.
There’s the obvious connection with compatriot Bryan Mbeumo should he move to Old Trafford, whilst Real Madrid can afford wages that we simply cannot compete with. You only have to look back at the Dean Huijsen saga back in the summer to gauge the idea that entering a bidding war against Los Blancos is something we have no intention of doing at this time.
However, for a 19-year-old eager to develop at the highest level, Newcastle could offer him a route into the Premier League, a chance to work under Eddie Howe and potentially replace Will Osula if the Dane is to depart this year.
We need to look towards getting a long term replacement for Yoane Wissa sooner rather than later, or at the very least until Sean Neave is ready to become one of our starting attackers, with Osula’s future in doubt and questions remaining around Nick Woltemade’s ability to play as a lone No 9.
The transfer window is going to be shut by the time they make there minds up Ross Wilson is just E H puppet instead of doing the transfers himself cannot see us going any further in any of the competitions we are left in there taking so long to bring in well needed players then E H will have them on the bench for 2 months
Keith Richardson(Quote)
They need to get a wiggle on if they are going to do anything even then we have to wait until Eddie thinks they are up to pace… there’s another couple of weeks at least, Thiaw has been about the quickest to hit the first team and that was desperation.
Joseph(Quote)
And pay a tonne more because we didn’t make the move in the summer when we could have got him for less than £5m. Just typical of us. Moan about psr every bloody window, and p**s about with the cheaper players, and then pay more, and overpay on players who’ve had 1 good season. 🤦🏻
Rob(Quote)
Useless rumours. This team is doomed for failure. Stingy owners, incompetent management, and a clueless manager, stubborn and pretentious and refuse the see the real issue, our defence sucks. Giving away 8 goals at home and still refusing to get some reinforcements
Jordan(Quote)
The captain of the under 21 has just been sold to Harrogate town ., a guy who was in Juventus set up and was touted as a great talent .. getting out before his career is finished at Newcastle ., what is going on with our development squads .. Howe is this possible
Mike(Quote)
Elanga Ramsey woltemade wissa were hardly cheaper .. but would argue ( woltemade aside) terrible buys .,
Mike(Quote)
Gordon looked like a terrible signing initially, as did Hall. Things may look rosier in time.
There is a reality that the team above Howe was in disarray in the summer window (and probably for the best part of 2 years before that). The logical consequence is missed signings and lower value for money.
We have to hope the new team put in place is elite (both with competence and culture to bring everyone together) and they stick around. I get the sense (Howe may have literally said it) that Howe wants overall control of transfers but will never work. It’s a full time job doing which other clubs have recognised and organised for. How could someone manage a team that plays every 3 days and also do a full time recruitment job? They can’t. It’s a delicate balance to not make a manager feel like they are being given players with no input at all (we don’t want that) but their input can’t be too involved. The manager needs to identify positions, characteristics etc (yep – a job profile like all other companies) and then leave the recruitment team to head hunt candidates. The manager can then review and interview. Maybe this is the involvement Howe has/wants but I get the feeling he is doing the head hunting and deciding the candidate list which would be a mistake.
Howe the toon(Quote)