With Newcastle United currently sitting as high as 3rd place in the Premier League table, many believe that they have a shout for finishing in the top four at the end of the season.
For the Magpies to do the impossible by securing Champions League football, we have earmarked 5 potential January signings that could help them get over the line.
Moussa Diaby
The Athletic have previously reported that Newcastle have earmarked Moussa Diaby as their “dream signing” amongst their list of transfer targets in the January transfer window.
In fact, throughout the summer, the Magpies were speculated with eyeing a switch for the 23-year old.
The Frenchman is one of the most exhilarating wingers in Europe, blessed with bags of pace, incredible 1v1 ability and a propensity to produce end product.
In some senses, the Bayer Leverkusen talisman’s profile is one that any and every club would desire at their clubs.
Last term, Diaby registered an impressive 13 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga, with many hailing him as one of, if not the best wideman in the entire division.
While Miguel Almiron’s redemption arc has been a sight to behold, a question mark remains over whether he will be able to maintain his incredible form till the end of the season.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the former PSG forward is anything but a flash in the plan, as his track record at Leverkusen speaks for itself since his arrival in 2019.
After all, even in a struggling Leverkusen side, Diaby has 6 league goals and 4 assists to his name.
While Xabi Alonso’s side may make life impossible for Newcastle in their pursuit of Moussa Diaby in January, their prized asset may well pine for a move if they remain 12th or fail to show any signs of significant improvement in the upcoming months.
In addition, the silky right-winger is exactly the type of player that should prompt Eddie Howe’s side to flex their financial muscle.
Alejandro Grimaldo
As per a report by TuttoJuve, Eddie Howe’s side are eyeing a move for Alejandro Grimaldo, who will be on the market for £8.5 million in January, as his contract expires in the summer.
With the Magpies currently deploying Dan Burn at left-back, it’s safe to say they should be all over the prospect of signing the Benfica defender at the turn of the year.
While Burn’s adaptation in an unfamiliar position has been commendable, he remains a centre-back by trade.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Grimaldo is rightly classed as one of the finest left-backs in Europe.
Excluding the ongoing campaign, the 27-year old has averaged an impressive 7.57 assists in 7 seasons at the club.
And in the 2022/2023 term as well, the ex-Barcelona defender has registered 3 assists in all competitions, while chipping in with 2 goals as well.
The Valencia-born left-back’s pinpoint final ball, brilliant ball-carrying ability as well as his technical proficiency makes him the embodiment of the modern-day left-back.
And if the reported fee to sign Alex Grimaldo in January is indeed £8.5 million, while Newcastle can bring in a player who is a significant upgrade on both Burn and Targett, the deal is an absolute no-brainer.
Leandro Trossard
As revealed by journalist Graeme Bailey on the Talking Transfers podcast, sporting director Dan Ashworth is keen on his side rivalling Chelsea to sign Leandro Trossard for £25 million in January.
The Belgian international’s contract expires in the summer, which forces Brighton’s hand at letting go of their talismanic operator.
While Jacob Murphy has redeemed himself as a left winger this season, the Seagulls superstar would be an undeniable upgrade on the Englishman.
Furthermore, Trossard’s 7 goals in the league this season also indicate that he could help shoulder the goalscoring burden alongside Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, if a transfer came to fruition.
Perhaps another factor that justifies Newcastle’s interest in the 27-year old is his enviable versatility.
The ex-Gent star has operated at left-wing, left wing-back and as a No.10 at different points this term, while looking the part in each and every position.
Leandro Trossard’s ability to provide cover in a multitude of roles during a possible injury crisis as well as give Eddie Howe the license to be tactically flexible would make him an incredibly handy addition at a reasonable fee for a player of his calibre.
Daichi Kamada
While Newcastle are often rumoured to be enticed by the prospect of signing the in-form James Maddison, it’s virtually impossible to imagine Leicester letting him go in January, despite the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
But with Eintracht Frankfurt having qualified to the last-16 of the Champions League and sitting 4th in Bundesliga, the Magpies could test the club’s resolve by making an offer they cannot refuse in January.
After all, the Japanese international’s current deal runs out in the summer.
Kamada is an out-and-out No.10, a position where the club lack a true creator that can pull strings.
With Bruno Guimares thriving as a defensive midfielder, the likes of Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff occupy the advanced role and despite the pair being bang in form, they remain upgradable from a qualitative perspective.
Daichi Kamada can operate just behind either Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak, while creating chances galore for either prolific striker.
The 26-year old’s enviable eye for a pass coupled with his ability to raise the technical standard of Newcastle’s midfield singlehandedly would elevate the side in perhaps the most key area of the pitch.
In addition, Frankfurt’s chief creator is currently enjoying an incredible productive season, scoring 12 goals and assisting 4 in all competitions.
With Kamada’s profile being a rarity at Newcastle, whilst his contract expiring next summer, the club should take a punt on bringing him in at St. James’ Park in January.
Cody Drameh
Recently, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Newcastle United were facing stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille to sign Cody Drameh in January.
For starters, the Leeds youngster has always been billed as a top right-back in the making. However, the 20-year old is yet to cement his place at Elland Road, under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
However, Eddie Howe’s side could hand him a new lease of life by bringing the gifted right-back through the door as a much-needed understudy to Kieran Trippier.
The 32-year old has arguably been his club’s best player and perhaps the standout player in his position in the Premier League this season.
Considering the Magpies captain is expected to start for England at the World Cup, an untimely injury could not only impact Newcastle’s top four hopes but their entire season as a whole.
As a result, it is advisable for the currently 3rd placed side to better be safe than sorry and bring in the highly-rated Drameh, who could both provide cover for Trippier whilst perhaps explode into life after a change of scenery.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
