In what could turn out to be a memorable season on Tyneside, Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United side are looking to make the most of this January transfer window to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League and even winning a trophy for the first time since 1969. Can they get the players in and out of the club to strengthen their push for success?
What Newcastle United Need to Do This January Transfer Window
It’s easy to forget that not so long ago, everyone on Tyneside was used to a relegation fight at this stage of the season. As things stand, Eddie Howe has steered his team to become contenders for Champions League place next season. On top of that, a potential Carabao Cup final looms with the second leg of the semi-final at home to Arsenal in the first week of February. Surely, even Newcastle United can’t blow a two-goal lead that was won so impressively at the Emirates recently. Getting the right players in and out of the side is essential for their dreams to become reality.
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Isak Staying Essential for Success
Despite the painful four-one defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, Newcastle United fans remain excited at the team’s potential and are genuinely excited by the style of football on offer, home and away. The outstanding form shown by Swedish striker Alexander Isak has everyone talking about him but the best way of keeping him on Tyneside is by being successful.
If Newcastle begin to act like a big club by winning the Carabao Cup and then qualifying for the Champions League, I doubt Isak would want to go anywhere. Competing against Europe’s elite is where both Isak and Eddie Howe want to be.
Eddie Howe had this to say in December when asked about the growing speculation surrounding his star striker, “There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go. He’s very much part of our long-term plans. I know his desire to score goals is second to none.”
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Miguel Almiron Has Served Newcastle Well but It Is Time to Go
One man in his seventh season at the club could be on his way out. Miguel Almiron has been a fan favourite since signing from MLS club Atlanta United and could return there or end up in Italy. Howe was again very pragmatic when speaking in his pre-match press conference before heading to Southampton about a player who has served the club well in over two hundred appearances.
Howe said: “I think we’re both aware of the situation. Yes, there is interest in him from other clubs. There is potentially a chance he could leave before the window, but until that moment, and if that moment never arises, he’s still a valuable member of the squad. We love him to bits, he’s got a great energy and character that’s never changed for a second, been the ultimate professional. And let’s see what happens.”
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Newcastle Lose Out on Major Signing Due to PSR
On the subject of potential incomings, Eddie Howe has confirmed how close Newcastle were to signing the Uzbekistan and Lens central defender Abdukhodir Khusanov. PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) meant that the Geordies were prepared to do a deal in the summer for the twenty-year-old. But that delay in concluding business has allowed Manchester City to step in and secure the deal now for him to travel to the northwest and sign for a fee in the region of £34million.
Having to sell before you can buy is an obvious source of great frustration for the Newcastle United manager, but he accepts it for now. Interestingly, Manchester City and Newcastle United are both vying for Champions League qualification. City have stolen a march on Newcastle here.
“We are not in a position to be active in the market as we sit here now. That might change if something happens in terms of outgoings.”
Lloyd Kelly One to Leave?
Centre-back Lloyd Kelly might be the one to leave for a good fee. The vice president of Turkish club Fenerbahce Acun Ilicah has gone public on their interest in signing the defender. Howe was calm in his response saying, “I’ve seen a little bit of the speculation on Lloyd. We’ve certainly not had any bid anywhere close to making the club make a decision on that. Lloyd’s an integral part of what we’re doing from my perspective. His challenge is to try and work his way into the team. He’s only just arrived, so I think he’s got a lot to achieve here. So, a very different situation.”
On Fenerbahce going public, Howe added: “Well, I think whenever your players are talked about by other clubs, I don’t think that’s ideal. And certainly, I try not to do that myself regarding players contracted to other clubs as well. It’s not ideal, but I haven’t seen Lloyd distracted. I haven’t seen a player whose head and heart are not in Newcastle, which is really important for me. If that was the case, then I’d certainly be addressing that with him. He’s trained well. He’s fighting for a place and that’s what I expect him to do.”
Newcastle Goal to Improve Strength and Depth of Squad During January Transfer Window
Losing heavily to Bournemouth at home was possibly an indication that the strength and depth of Eddie Howe’s squad is not good enough to compete with those who regularly qualify for Europe’s elite competition. It’s essential Newcastle begin to look like a big club by winning this Carabao Cup and follow it up by securing a place in the riches of the Champions League. Regular qualification at the top tier of European football has to be their goal.
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